This initiative seeks to build an integrated ecosystem of specialised AI tools and solutions that effectively support Arabic language content across Arab media platforms.
Dubai Media Academy, the specialised training and research arm of Dubai Media Incorporated, has announced the launch of its “Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media.” Unveiled during Dubai AI Week, held from April 21-25 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, this initiative seeks to build an integrated ecosystem of specialised AI tools and solutions that effectively support Arabic language content across Arab media platforms.
The launch is rooted in recommendations made by the Academy after a year of intensive workshops and discussions that revealed a critical gap in AI technologies capable of addressing the linguistic, cultural and dialectical complexity of the Arabic language.
By bringing together media organisations, technology companies, universities, developers and research institutions, the initiative aims to tackle pressing challenges in the field—including accurate dialect representation, visual content verification and the scarcity of reliable Arabic-language training data. The collaborative model is expected to foster innovations that preserve cultural identity while advancing Arab media’s global relevance.
Commenting on the launch, Muna Busamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, said: “The ‘Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media’ represents a tangible response to the real needs expressed by stakeholders in the Arab media sector. Through the dialogues conducted by the academy, we recognised the significant need for AI tools capable of understanding the Arabic language and considering the cultural diversity of Arab societies.”
She added: “Based on Dubai Media Academy’s role as a leading research and knowledge institution, we are leveraging our expertise and specialised studies to serve the efforts aimed at developing technological solutions that support Arab media and its ability to preserve the identity and cultural specificity of our Arab societies, while enhancing its presence on the global stage.”
In tandem with the launch, the Academy has published the first edition of the white paper titled “Status of Artificial Intelligence in Arab Media.” This document outlines a strategic roadmap for AI developers and researchers, identifying key technical requirements, providing development guidelines and pinpointing opportunities for AI innovation within the Arabic media landscape.
Advisor to Dubai Media Academy, Asem Galal, further noted: “What distinguishes the ‘Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media’ is the collective enthusiasm of all active parties in the media and technology fields, and their constructive efforts to shape the future of Arab media and support it with intelligent tools capable of understanding our culture.” He pointed out that the initiative represents a qualitative leap towards shaping the future of a nation through artificial intelligence.
Throughout Dubai AI Week, the Academy will conduct targeted workshops and discussions, with further strategic projects and partnerships that will be announced successively throughout the year.
