Frequently Asked Questions

BRIDGE is an integrated global media ecosystem that fosters collaboration, innovation, and progress. It consists of the BRIDGE Summit, the BRIDGE Foundation, and a series of initiatives designed to shape the future of media. Each one has been designed under the National Media Office's vision to foster constructive dialogue between stakeholders to help forge pioneering solutions to industry challenges and advance the media sector’s role in global development.

BRIDGE is a first-of-its-kind initiative that brings together the most influential media leaders at a time when AI is reshaping journalism, storytelling, and media business models. It is a global hub for collaboration, ethical discourse, and sustainable media innovation.

Washington DC is a global media capital, home to some of the world's most influential news organisations. Announcing BRIDGE from Washington reinforces its position as a truly global ecosystem that transcends geography to unite media professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders.

The BRIDGE Summit will take place from 8-10, 2025 December in Abu Dhabi. It will bring together industry leaders, media innovators, and investors to develop ideas, programs and initiatives to tackle the most pressing challenges facing the sector. The summit's convening power is key to it becoming one of the world's most influential media gatherings, sparking bold ideas, pioneering technologies, and strategic collaborations.

BRIDGE is designed for a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including journalists, media executives, policymakers, content creators, and technology pioneers. It also recognises the critical contributions of academia, philanthropic organisations, and the private sector in shaping responsible and sustainable media. By connecting these key players, BRIDGE fosters meaningful discussions and drives innovation.

At the BRIDGE Summit, we will explore the responsible use of AI in media and how to ensure integrity while safeguarding against misinformation. Discussions will also focus on press freedom in the digital age, sustainable media business models, and how storytelling continues to shape global narratives.

We aim to drive real impact—fostering partnerships, securing funding for media innovation, and shaping policies that support sustainability and growth in the media sector, while enabling innovation and expanding investment opportunities, in addition to helping to ensure the responsible use of AI in media. BRIDGE is about action, ensuring that ideas evolve into concrete solutions that enhance media credibility, empower professionals, and future-proof the industry.

The National Media Office is at the forefront of shaping a future-ready media ecosystem. It does so through aligning its work with the strategies and vision of the UAE's leadership, and their determination to keep pace with the latest global trends. The office aims to develop the country's media ecosystem in a way that supports national priorities and bolsters its position regionally and internationally. It also supports coordination and cooperation among the country's media entities, while developing new media leaders and talents.

The BRIDGE Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to empowering future media professionals and innovators. It promotes responsible journalism, offers training programmes, and funds research to develop cutting-edge media solutions. The Foundation also provides a platform for startups, connecting them with investment and growth opportunities to build a sustainable media ecosystem.

The UAE has long been a hub for global dialogue and media innovation. Guided by the leadership's vision, BRIDGE fosters collaboration, strengthens international partnerships, and develops solutions for the sector's evolving challenges. The summit plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable media development as a key driver of national and global progress.

Media is a powerful force for sustainable economic growth, and BRIDGE is committed to unlocking investment opportunities and fostering industry-wide innovation. The summit will connect entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers, creating an ideal environment for media startups to scale and thrive in a competitive global landscape.