AI Design Sprint MENA Draws Key Media Figures from Across the Region

Government

AI Design Sprint MENA Draws Key Media Figures from Across the Region

The AI Design Sprint MENA, a collaboration between the UAE Media Council, KSA’s Ministry of Media, the Google News Initiative (GNI), and FT Strategies, concluded successfully at the Innovation Hub in Google’s Dubai Internet City office. The full-day event featured workshops and discussions led by FT Strategies’ experts and witnessed significant participation from prominent media professionals across the region.

The initiative aims to empower media and publishing institutions in the MENA region by promoting the integration of artificial intelligence tools to enhance media operations. Through this program, media professionals explored the potential of AI to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the news ecosystem.

Her Excellency Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council, emphasized the program's importance:
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our partners the Saudi Ministry of Media, Google, and FT Strategies for this transformative program. This event aligns with the UAE Media Council's vision of fostering an innovative and forward-thinking media landscape by building capacity and enabling innovation within the region's news media ecosystem. It leverages FT's publishing expertise and Google's pioneering AI capabilities, empowering media professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in an evolving industry.”

Mazen Sabbagh, News and Publishing Partnerships Lead for MENA at Google, highlighted the collaboration's significance:
“This joint effort between the Google News Initiative, FT Strategies, the UAE Media Council, and the Saudi Ministry of Media represents a major milestone. By designing and implementing AI solutions, publishers can drive business growth. We look forward to continued collaboration to support innovation and capacity building in the region's media ecosystem.”

Sabrina Daryanani, Principal at FT Strategies, added:
“FT Strategies and the Google News Initiative deliver digital transformation programs to media organisations worldwide, including the use of technology to support innovation and sustainability in journalism. The AI Design Sprint provides an opportunity to explore AI use cases, assess AI solutions, and share ideas with other participants.”

The event featured workshops and discussions that focused on identifying opportunities, fostering innovation, and designing AI-based solutions for media challenges. Participants were equipped with tools and insights to address AI-related risks and develop comprehensive strategies to future-proof their operations.