Dubai Media Leaders Explore UK to Boost Global Skills

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

The Dubai Media Council’s Media Leadership Programme recently completed a week-long visit to the United Kingdom. This special trip helped 25 media professionals from different Dubai government departments learn more about how global media works and how to build trust and use AI in storytelling.

The Media Leadership Programme was started by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It aims to train future leaders in media who can tell strong and meaningful stories that support Dubai’s growth and development.

During the UK tour, participants visited some of the world’s top media and communication organizations. The goal was to understand how these places handle change while maintaining high professional standards. The group attended many sessions that focused on big ideas like media trust, digital change, AI, national branding, and how governments talk to the world.

Over five days, the group took part in learning sessions, site visits, and important discussions. They met experts from media companies, government communication teams, policy think tanks, and tech leaders. The tour included visits to well-known media outlets like the Financial Times and Sky News, where senior staff shared how they plan their digital content and news strategies.

One key session was with the Thomson Foundation, where they learned about how media is changing worldwide. Another was held at Google, where the future of online information was discussed. They also attended a session by the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign on how countries promote themselves globally, also known as “nation branding.”

The group visited Apolitical, a platform that trains people in government work, where they explored how public trust is built through smart use of data and communication. They also had deep conversations with former UK government communication experts about how to deliver strong messages both nationally and internationally.

Her Excellency Nehal Badri, Secretary General of the Dubai Media Council, said the programme is a big part of Dubai’s media strategy. She believes that by building strong media leaders, Dubai can share its story with the world in a more powerful and modern way. She added that the UK visit also helped create partnerships with international media leaders to support Dubai’s future goals.

Hesham Al Olama, Director of Strategy and Performance Management at the Dubai Media Council, said the tour helped participants understand how to keep up with changes in media without losing quality and professionalism. He noted that ideas like data storytelling and strategic diplomacy will help these future leaders face global challenges with confidence.

Launched in January this year, the Media Leadership Programme focuses on developing smart, creative, and skilled leaders in Dubai’s media sector. By working with top media names around the world, the programme helps Dubai’s media leaders gain the tools they need to share the city’s success stories with global audiences.