Held in May 2026, the Dubai Media Retreat convened more than 100 senior executives and decision-makers from the advertising, marketing, film, gaming, and digital media sectors to discuss the next phase of the industry's growth. Participants represented companies with a combined economic activity of approximately USD 13 billion. Structured roundtable discussions covered infrastructure, talent development, legislation, and investment, with each table focusing on specific sector challenges and opportunities.
A key outcome was the announcement by DMC Vice Chairperson and Managing Director H.E. Mona Al Marri of a new unified digital platform, to be launched before the end of 2026, consolidating media sector services, permits, and procedures. Outcomes from the retreat will feed into a forthcoming strategic report guiding future DMC initiatives and policy development
Announcement of a unified digital platform for media sector services (launching before end-2026)
Roundtable discussions spanning infrastructure, talent, legislation, and investment
Participation from companies representing approximately USD 13 billion in economic activity
Outputs to inform a forthcoming DMC strategic report
May 2026
Date
100+ senior executives and decision-makers
Attendees
Advertising & marketing, film, gaming, and digital media
Sectors represented
Unified media-sector digital platform (by end-2026)
Key announcement
