he annual Global Media Congress (GMC) in Abu Dhabi is an important international forum that brings substantial and unique contribution to shaping the world media industry, Timur Zabirov, the Russian Ambassador to the UAE, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
At the inaugural GMC last year, he noted, Russia was represented by influential national media outlets such as RT Television Network, and TASS and Sputnik news agencies. On the margins of the event, their top management held a number of important meetings and other activities, Zabirov added.
“Therefore, the Congress proved its status as a favourable platform for our media to boost and diversify their professional connections with major partners from around the world and in the UAE,” the ambassador emphasised.
2nd edition of GMC
He made these comments as preparations are underway for the second edition of the Global Media Congress, slated to take place from November 14th to 16th, 2023. The event will have a total of around 127 sessions, 27 workshops, six media labs and a wide variety of other programmes and exhibitions, focusing on the most relevant issues related to the future of the media sector.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the three-day Global Media Congress is organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Russia-UAE media cooperation
The Russian Ambassador said there is a dynamic and fruitful cooperation between Russian and Emirati media institutions, including very promising collaboration with the Emirates News Agency – both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Among the major steps on this track was dedicated participation of WAM delegation led by its Director-General Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, in the international conference named “Russia – Islamic World: Practical Steps in Media Cooperation,” which took place in last December in Moscow, Zabirov noted.
“We attach great importance to sustaining regular and mutually beneficial bilateral contacts in the media sphere. I am sure that such connections will provide additional positive momentum for further growth and new achievements in many other fields of friendly relations and strategic partnership between Russia and the UAE,” the envoy explained.
The ambassador said he is looking forward to active participation of Russian news agencies and media companies in the upcoming GMC this year.
3-day conference with over 30 sessions
Under the slogan ‘Shaping the Future of the Media Industry,’ this year’s GMC will include a three-day conference with over 30 sessions in which globally prominent media leaders and scholars will discuss vital issues relevant to the industry. The main themes that will be deliberated upon this year will include innovation, media education, sports journalism, and environmental journalism and the role of the youth.
Sessions dedicated to contemporary hot topics such as AI in media, AR and VR in coverage of global sports events, the prospects of metaverse, developmental journalism and the imperative of close cooperation between media industry, media schools and technology giants will serve as vibrant platforms for industry leaders to offer insights and futuristic projections.
The exhibition accompanying the Congress will not only showcase the latest technologies from leading brands as well as startups relevant for the media, but also provide an opportunity for commercial deals between technology companies and media outlets.