Arab Media Summit 2026 will put film and gaming centre stage in Dubai, connecting creators, studios, developers and investors with around 10,000 media professionals.
DUBAI: Arab Media Summit 2026 is putting film and gaming at the centre of the regional media conversation as Dubai looks to transform creative content into a larger economic opportunity spanning intellectual property, production, technology and talent.
The Dubai Media Council will host two dedicated forums through the Dubai Films and Games Commission during the Summit, which runs from September 15 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Around 10,000 media professionals and industry stakeholders are expected to attend.
Film and gaming get dedicated forums
The Films Forum will bring filmmakers, directors, producers, screenwriters and industry experts together to examine the future of film and television production.
Discussions will explore co-production, investment, talent development and digital platforms, while also examining the growing influence of artificial intelligence on filmmaking.
The Games Forum will focus on investment and growth opportunities, content, entrepreneurship, talent development and emerging technologies.
It will also highlight Dubai’s potential as a game development and production hub supported by its digital infrastructure and business environment.
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Dubai wants ideas to become businesses
The wider ambition goes beyond hosting conversations about entertainment.
Dubai Media Council says it wants filmmakers and game developers to find a faster route from ideas to production and from studios to international markets.
That approach places creative industries alongside Dubai’s broader efforts to attract investment, build intellectual property and develop specialised talent.
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10,000 media professionals expected in Dubai
Arab Media Summit 2026 is expected to bring together around 10,000 media professionals and industry stakeholders, making this the largest edition of the event.
More than 400 speakers from the region and internationally are expected to participate in over 175 sessions examining technological, economic and social changes affecting the media industry.
The wider programme includes the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, Dubai PodFest and several international forums.
Why film and gaming matter to Dubai
Dubai’s decision to give both sectors dedicated platforms reflects their increasing importance within the global creative economy.
Film production can attract international studios, investment and talent, while gaming brings together technology, storytelling, intellectual property and digital distribution.
By addressing both at Arab Media Summit 2026, Dubai is positioning media not simply as content to consume, but as an industry capable of generating businesses, jobs and globally marketable creative products.
Impact to expect
The two forums could strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional creative industries hub by connecting filmmakers and game developers directly with investors, publishers, producers and media leaders capable of turning ideas into commercially viable projects.
