Dubai Press Club announced more than 2,000 regional and international journalists, as well as media professionals from 40 countries have pre-registered online for the 10th edition of the Arab Media Forum to be held in Dubai.
The number of participants from outside the UAE include 350 editors, columnists, reporters, programme makers, as well as academics and researchers from newspapers, television, radio stations, news agencies and educational and research institutions.
Final arrangements are now complete for the event that is being organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from 17 – 18 May at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai.
Around 26 per cent of those pre-registered for AMF 2011 are from daily newspapers, while approximately 25 per cent comprise researchers and students from universities and colleges, and over 22 per cent from television and radio stations. Furthermore, 12 per cent are from print and online media, while 15 per cent are professionals from research media consultancies, public relations, government and private organisations, as well as private and official observers.
AMF 2011 will particularly focus on the redefined perception of the common man in the Arab world following the recent uprisings. Titled “Image of the Arab Citizen after Recent Popular Uprisings”, the session will also discuss the Arab media’s role in contributing to the redefined international public opinion. As a precursor to this segment, the forum has collaborated with an international research body to conduct a survey among a group of influential decision-makers around the world on the shift in perceptions. Results of the survey will be revealed prior to the discussion at the forum.
Workshops that discuss the evolution of trends in the Egyptian media after January 25 will also headline AMF 2011. The two-day event will also examine the monitoring capabilities of the Arab media in keeping pace with events and its ability to forecast trends.
The forum will witness the screening of two short films, capturing some of the most memorable moments that have defined the Arab Media Forum and the Arab Journalism Awards over the last 10 years.
A team of more than 50 UAE national volunteers, including university students and media faculty, will provide on-ground support at the tenth Arab Media Forum. The volunteers will play an active role in receiving local, regional and international guests to the event. The teams will also provide support to coordinate the forum’s information desk.
As part of its continued endeavour to involve the participation of the youth, the Arab Media Forum has also invited a group of students majoring in photography and communications to document the two-day activities of the tenth edition, including the preparatory phase, in video format. The footage will be available for viewing on YouTube and other social media sites. It will also be uploaded on the AMF website www.arabmediaforum.ae.
