Ajman:The Ajman Media Forum, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, is set to open on November 18th at the Emirates Hospitality Centre. The event, titled "THE SIGNAL 2026," will operate under the theme "Who Owns the Signal?" and is organized by the Ajman Government Media Office.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day forum will bring together a diverse group of media leaders, decision-makers, experts, researchers, and representatives from media and technology organizations. The objective is to examine the future of the media industry in the context of rapid technological advancements. The forum will feature 23 sessions with 68 speakers from 17 countries, as well as 53 entities and partners, which include media organizations, government institutions, and exhibitors.
The discussions at the forum will focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on various aspects of media, such as content creation, editorial decision-making, audience engagement, and public opinion. Mohammed Abdulla Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Ajman Government Media Office, emphasized that the forum offers a platform for responsible dialogue and knowledge exchange about the changes reshaping the media sector and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
Key topics to be explored include the influence of AI and algorithms on editorial decisions, the risks posed by deepfakes to content credibility, and the evolving role of content creators. The forum will also address cognitive security, influence and disinformation campaigns, and the use of data and AI to anticipate trends and events. Additionally, it will discuss ways to extend local stories to global audiences through human-centered storytelling and international partnerships.
The first day will focus on sessions about AI and audience trust, government communication in the age of algorithms, narrative competition, newsroom transformation, predictive media, cognitive security, and AI's impact on filmmaking and visual storytelling. The day will also feature a special presentation by Chinese technology company iFlytek. The second day will cover media's role in government communication, diplomacy, crisis management, AI-powered government messaging, public trust, and economic opportunities in the media and creative industries. It will also examine the professional and ethical challenges of covering wars and conflicts in the age of AI and deepfakes.
A youth debate titled "Is the Artificial Partner a Partner or a Competitor to the Media Professional?" will bring together youth council representatives to discuss the relationship between media professionals and AI and its implications for the future of the profession. The program will include workshops and Partners Platform sessions, featuring activities with TRENDS Research and Advisory focusing on AI, audience trust, and changing patterns of digital content consumption. The forum aims to enhance cooperation among media, government, and technology organizations and explore practical responses to changes in news and information production, distribution, and consumption.