The digital media landscape in the Arab world is rapidly evolving, demanding continuous adaptation and collaboration to harness its potential and mitigate its risks. This was the central theme of the 22nd meeting of the Arab Committee for Digital Media, recently hosted by the United Arab Emirates at the headquarters of the Arab League’s General Secretariat. The meeting, spearheaded by Somaya Al Ali, Director of Corporate and International Cooperation at the UAE’s National Media Office, and attended by Dr. Haider Al-Jabouri, Commissioner of the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information, focused on strengthening the الإعلام الرقمي العربي (Arab Digital Media) through regulation, development, and enhanced security.
جهود الإمارات لقيادة تطوير الإعلام الرقمي العربي (UAE Efforts to Lead the Development of Arab Digital Media)
The United Arab Emirates took a leading role in this crucial gathering, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the future of digital media in the region. Beyond chairing the meeting, the UAE showcased its proactive initiatives, including the development and launch of a dedicated website for the Arab Committee for Digital Media. This platform aims to serve as a central hub for information and collaboration amongst Arab media institutions.
Furthermore, the UAE announced a forward-looking initiative to host representatives from the ministries of information across the Arab world in 2026. This program, titled “Engineering Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” will provide advanced training focused on leveraging the power of AI in media production and adapting to future technological shifts. This initiative underscores the UAE’s vision for a dynamic and innovative الإعلام الرقمي العربي capable of producing high-quality, impactful content.
متابعة القرارات والتوصيات السابقة (Following Up on Previous Decisions and Recommendations)
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to monitoring the implementation of Resolution No. 566 issued by the 55th Ordinary Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information. This resolution outlines key strategies for the development and regulation of digital media.
Additionally, the committee discussed recommendations stemming from a recent roundtable on cybersecurity. The focus was on bolstering the security of Arab websites and platforms against cyberattacks and breaches. Specifically, the discussion centered on membership criteria for a dedicated cybersecurity committee responsible for protecting these vital digital assets. This highlights the growing concern surrounding أمن المعلومات (Information Security) within the Arab media sphere.
مكافحة المحتوى المتطرف عبر الإنترنت (Combating Extremist Content Online)
Recognizing the potential for online platforms to be exploited for harmful purposes, the meeting also addressed the findings of a working group tasked with monitoring and analyzing online games that promote violence or terrorist ideologies. The group’s report detailed the potential impact of such content on societal security in the Arab world, prompting discussions on preventative measures and collaborative strategies to counter its spread. This is a critical aspect of ensuring responsible use of المنصات الرقمية (Digital Platforms).
نحو قانون عربي موحد لتنظيم الإعلام الرقمي (Towards a Unified Arab Law for Regulating Digital Media)
One of the most ambitious goals discussed at the meeting was the development of a model Arab law for regulating digital media. This law aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly changing digital landscape, promoting responsible and secure use of modern technologies.
The need for a unified legal framework is paramount, as it will facilitate cross-border collaboration and ensure consistency in addressing issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and copyright infringement. The drafting of this law will require careful consideration of international best practices while remaining sensitive to the unique cultural and political contexts of the Arab region. This initiative is crucial for fostering a healthy and sustainable الإعلام الرقمي العربي.
الاستعداد للدورات القادمة (Preparation for Upcoming Sessions)
Dr. Al-Jabouri emphasized that this meeting served as a vital preparatory step for the 104th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Committee for Arab Information and the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information, scheduled to be held in Kuwait next February.
He lauded the UAE’s efforts in launching the committee’s website and expressed gratitude to the Arab nations that contributed to its development. Dr. Al-Jabouri also voiced his hope that the committee’s deliberations would yield practical recommendations that contribute to the organization and advancement of الإعلام الرقمي العربي. He further highlighted the importance of digital media as a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, facilitating communication, and promoting transparency and civic engagement.
In conclusion, the 22nd meeting of the Arab Committee for Digital Media, hosted by the UAE, represents a significant step towards a more robust, secure, and innovative digital media ecosystem in the Arab world. The discussions surrounding regulation, cybersecurity, and the adoption of new technologies like AI demonstrate a proactive approach to navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the evolving digital landscape. The commitment to developing a unified Arab law and fostering collaboration amongst member states will be instrumental in shaping the future of الإعلام الرقمي العربي and ensuring its continued relevance and impact. Further updates and the eventual implementation of these recommendations will be closely watched by media professionals and policymakers across the region.