The Dubai Government Media Office (GDMO) is actively leveraging the rapidly evolving digital media landscape, aligning its strategies with the vision of Dubai's leadership. With the swift advancements in digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies, the Dubai Media Council, which oversees the GDMO, has established a regulatory framework to foster innovation in digital media. This framework aims to promote responsible content creation and distribution while encouraging the growth of the creative industries within the emirate.
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03-15, 2025Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office, was interviewed by *The Middle East Economy* magazine to discuss how the GDMO remains at the forefront of shaping Dubai's image and continuously adapts to evolving times. She also highlighted the role of women in the UAE's business sector and the importance of achieving gender balance in leadership positions and key sectors. This commitment to gender equality is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive economy that benefits all members of society.
The GDMO plays a pivotal role in shaping Dubai's image among local, regional, and global audiences. As the global media landscape evolves, the GDMO has adopted a multifaceted strategic approach, integrating traditional and digital media, and solidifying Dubai's position as a global hub for business, tourism, trade, and innovation through strategic storytelling. The expansion of the Dubai Media Council's mandate, now responsible for regulating media activities across the emirate, including free zones, marks a significant milestone in this process. This strategic shift is strengthening collaboration, fostering creativity, and ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of global media excellence. The Dubai Government Media Office, under the guidance of the Dubai Media Council, is a crucial force in realizing this objective.
Under the broader strategy, another significant initiative is the Arab Media Summit 2025, scheduled to be held from May 26 to 28 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event brings together the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Youth Media Forum, and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, creating the region's largest platform for media thought leadership, dialogue, and knowledge exchange. Attracting over 6,000 attendees, including policymakers, media executives, and digital content creators, the summit aims to shape the future of media innovation in the Arab world. Another important initiative is the establishment of the Dubai Film and Game Commission, designed to support the emirate's burgeoning creative economy. By regulating and promoting the film and game industries, attracting global investment, and nurturing local talent, the commission aims to solidify Dubai's position as a leading destination for content creation and digital entertainment.
In coordination with these efforts, Dubai continues to elevate its image as a global destination through its cultural engagement and community-driven storytelling strategies. Initiatives like #RamadanInDubai, a city-wide campaign led by Brand Dubai in collaboration with government, semi-government, and private sector entities, are putting this strategy into practice. This campaign unites various entities to create immersive cultural experiences, celebrating Ramadan through light displays, heritage events, and festive activities across the city. These initiatives not only enhance the cultural landscape but also promote community cohesion and engagement.
Media plays a vital role in influencing investor perceptions and driving economic growth. The GDMO has developed a comprehensive communication strategy to enhance Dubai's image as a vibrant, opportunity-driven city with a bright future. By leveraging traditional media, digital platforms, and thought leadership initiatives, we ensure that Dubai's value proposition is effectively communicated to regional and global stakeholders. Through Brand Dubai, we have successfully diversified the mediums of storytelling, connecting the public and communities with Dubai's unique offerings. Brand Dubai's creative urban experiences and public art projects are solidifying Dubai's position as a cultural and creative destination. By positioning Dubai as a progressive, forward-thinking city, the GDMO's media initiatives continue to reinforce the emirate's image as a global destination for business, innovation, tourism, and cultural experiences.
Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive digital experiences are shaping the future of media, and the GDMO is at the forefront of this transformation. The expansion of the Dubai Media Council's mandate aims to create a regulatory framework for innovation in digital media, thereby better managing content creation and distribution, and fostering the growth of creative industries. As digital media continues to evolve, we are working to ensure that Dubai remains a leader in this field. Under the leadership of the Dubai Media Council, the GDMO is dedicated to ensuring that Dubai's media ecosystem remains vibrant, future-oriented, and globally influential, setting new standards for excellence and innovation.
The GDMO's strategy is closely aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which prioritizes the development of future-oriented industries, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth. This approach is reflected in the evolution of Dubai's media sector, with the Dubai Media Council being granted a broader mandate to oversee media activities across the emirate, thereby creating a comprehensive and dynamic framework that promotes growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. Dubai is not only adapting to change but also shaping the future of media and communication. The establishment of the Dubai Film and Game Commission is part of a broader effort to position the emirate as a leader in content creation, gaming, and digital entertainment, attracting international investment while also empowering local talent.
Beyond infrastructure and regulation, human capital remains at the heart of our strategy. Initiatives such as the Dubai Content Creator Program are designed to nurture the next generation of media professionals, equipping them with the expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The GDMO will continue to strive to amplify Dubai's voice, ensuring that its achievements, ambitions, and innovations are communicated to the audiences that matter most. This commitment to talent development is essential for sustaining Dubai's leadership in the media sector.
The UAE has long been committed to promoting gender balance, a vision that has driven policy, social transformation, and economic growth. Over the years, women have increasingly assumed leadership roles in government and key sectors. Today, their contributions are shaping the UAE's future, positioning the country as a leader in gender balance. The establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council reflects the UAE's commitment to gender equality. Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Gender Balance Council has driven key reforms to ensure that women play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future. The introduction of equal pay legislation, mandatory female representation on corporate and government boards, and gender-sensitive budgeting in government entities are setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and economic participation. The Council's UAE Gender Balance Index tracks progress across government departments, while the Gender Balance Guide, developed in collaboration with the OECD, provides a framework for empowering workplaces to ensure gender balance.
As a result of progressive policies, 51% of university graduates in the UAE are women, and they comprise 46% of STEM degree holders. Today, women constitute 54.5% of the UAE's workforce, hold 44% of public sector positions, and occupy 64% of leadership roles. The UAE has 10 female ministers, representing approximately 26% of the cabinet, while women comprise 50% of the Federal National Council (FNC), the country's parliamentary body. These statistics demonstrate the significant strides the UAE has made in empowering women and promoting gender equality across various sectors.
