& 
2025 AGENDA
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
11:00 - 11:10
Opening Remarks
11:10 - 11:20 (10
Mins)
Governmental keynote
- Balancing innovation with content integrity in rapidly evolving media landscapes
- Policy frameworks enabling next-gen satellite tech and 5G broadcasting infrastructure
- Public-private models driving MENA's $23.6B media-tech sector growth (Statista 2025 projection)
- Case Study: UAE's National Program for Digital Transformation impact on broadcast digitisation
- Co production treaties and funding – job retention funding Dubai emerging global dig content dist hub AK (Dubai Auh RAK)
11:10 – 11:30 (20 Mins)
Dual discussion
- AI personalisation: How can you boost viewer engagement by up to 60% in MEASA?
- ML content recommendations: How can you reduce streaming churn by 25-30% in emerging markets?
- AI in production: 3 keys to cut post-production time by 40% in MEASA.
11:30 – 12:00 (30
Mins)
Panel -The evolving media landscape
- How ML-driven personalisation (recommendations, bundling) and rich media tools (interactive previews, dynamic thumbnails) now dictate 30%+ of content discovery, redefining platform competition
- How you can balance global scale with hyper-local relevance: Strategies for traditional media to pivot (e.g., hybrid AVOD-SVOD models) and streaming services to win in fragmented markets.
- Cloud + edge computing’s role in latency reduction (sub-2s load times) and AI’s impact on real-time content creation (synthetic media, automated editing)
- Who owns viewer attention? Decoding the shift from legacy broadcasters to algorithm-curated ecosystems and creator-driven platforms
12:00 – 12:20 (20
mins)
Panel - News
- Adapt TV investigations for short form: Learn to condense 30-minute reports into 60-second clips (like Al Jazeera’s viral series) using AI tools that slash production time 50% while retaining depth
- Combat misinformation with AI: Deploy AFP’s 500k+/day video scans (94% accuracy) and Sky News’ AR overlays (+35% credibility) to build trust in a distrustful Gen Z (76% MENA distrust traditional news)
- Monetise cross-platform: Blend TikTok shoppable ads (44% purchase rate) with TV sponsorships to counter MENA’s 8% annual ad decline, mirroring CNBC Arabia’s revenue-adaptive model.
12:20 – 13:00 (40
Mins)
Panel - The content marketplace
- Regional content surge: Explore the drivers behind the global popularity of regional cinema, including cultural authenticity, streaming platform investments, and audience demand for diverse storytelling
- Hollywood's adaptation: Analyse how the U.S. entertainment industry is navigating the shift towards global content, including international collaborations, localisation strategies, and the impact on traditional production models
- Creator empowerment: Examine new models for measuring content ROI, increasing transparency in revenue sharing, and leveraging data analytics to empower creators in the evolving digital marketplace
13:00 – 13:20 (20
mins)
Fireside chat
13:20 – 14:00 (40
mins)
Panel - Tech & innovation in entertainment
- Harnessing AI and the cloud: How to leverage AI for personalised content experiences and cloud technology for scalable, flexible streaming
- Optimising delivery and security: How to enhance streaming quality through CDN optimisation and implement advanced security measures against emerging threats
- Innovating with edge and integration: How to utilise edge computing for interactive entertainment and explore super-app concepts in OTT platforms
14:00 – 14:40 (40
mins)
Panel - Best practices in content creation
- Cross-platform adaptation: How to seamlessly tailor content for TV, web, and social media while maintaining quality and brand consistency
- Data-driven personalisation: How to leverage AI and data for content personalisation without compromising creative integrity
- Sustainable and global creation: How to implement eco-friendly content production practices and effectively manage diverse, cross-cultural creative teams
14:40 – 15:00 (20
mins)
Keynote - Short-form revolution
- Monetisation mastery: How to leverage short-form content for engagement through creator funds, premium subscriptions (e.g., TikTok Series), and shoppable videos, balancing ad-supported and direct revenue models
- E-commerce integration: How platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok are blending entertainment with commerce via in-app purchases, affiliate links, and live-shopping features to drive conversions
- Micro-drama momentum: How bite-sized storytelling (5–15 minute episodes) capitalises on mobile-first audiences, with sustainability hinging on production scalability and platform algorithm support
15:00 – 15:45 (45
mins)
Panel
- Post-pandemic cinema trends – Recovery, audience behaviour shifts, and the rise of premium experiences
- Streaming vs. theatrical release – Strategies for coexistence and maximizing revenue
- Emerging revenue models – From ticketing innovations to in-theater advertising and event cinema
- Technology’s role in cinema – AI, immersive experiences (VR/AR), and next-gen projection technologies
- Global and regional market insights – Opportunities for growth in the MENA region and beyond.
16:00 – 16:05
Closing remarks
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
11:00 - 11:10 (10
mins)
Opening remarks
11:10 – 11:50 (40
mins)
Panel - Digital transformation in media
- Advertising evolution: How to optimise digital ad spend and leverage social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for maximum impact in the evolving media consumption landscape
- Competitive strategies: How regional streaming players can differentiate and compete with global giants, with a focus on SVOD market trends in the GCC and beyond
- Data-driven growth: How to effectively utilise viewer data and AI for content acquisition, audience growth, and operational efficiency, while navigating regulatory considerations in the GCC
11:50 - 12:00 (10
mins)
Keynote
12:00 - 12:15 (15
mins)
Keynote - Connected TV (CTV)
- How to leverage advanced analytics and machine learning to effectively target CTV audiences with relevant ads based on viewing preferences and location data
- How to overcome challenges in measurement and attribution within the fragmented CTV landscape, developing unified metrics for cross-platform campaigns
- How to create engaging CTV advertising experiences that enhance rather than disrupt viewing, and how to capitalise on the resurgence of shared viewing in the living room
12:15 - 12:45 (30
mins)
Panel - Sports broadcasting innovations
- Next-Gen production and monetisation: How to enhance live sports coverage and monetise rights effectively through OTT platforms in MENA
- AI-powered fan engagement: How to leverage AI and interactive features to revolutionise fan experiences, with a focus on Gen Z preferences
- Immersive sports ecosystems: How to create profitable, immersive sports experiences using VR/AR while balancing stakeholder interests
12:45 - 13:00 (15
Mins)
Fireside chat
- Safety protocols in live production – Best practices for ensuring the well-being of cast and crew in high-pressure production environments, from set construction to live-action sequences.
- Risk management for high-risk scenes – Strategies for mitigating hazards in stunts, pyrotechnics, and challenging filming locations, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
- Emergency preparedness and medical support – Developing robust response plans, on-set safety support, and crisis management strategies to safeguard production teams.
- Improving safety standards in the Middle East – Addressing regional challenges, implementing best practices, and fostering a stronger culture of safety in the growing film and TV industry.
13:00 - 13:30 (30
Mins)
Panel - Smart money
- Streaming viability: Evaluating the long-term sustainability of streaming services
- Sports investment: Analysing the surge in sports team and league acquisitions
- AI impact: Assessing AI's role in content creation and its investment potential – combine with sports session
13:30 - 14:00 (30
mins)
Kids content
- Platform preferences and why: Uncover the dominant platforms for kids' content consumption
- Interactive storytelling: How to engage kids through immersive experiences
- Responsible content: Discuss creating ethical, educational, and age-appropriate content
14:00 - 14:30 (30
mins)
Panel
- Unlock incentives: Understand the financial and logistical support film commissions offer to productions
- Navigate resources: Learn about available locations, facilities, and local talent pools
- Foster collaboration: Discover opportunities for partnerships and co-productions with the region
14:30 - 15:00 (30
Mins)
Panel
- Government support and incentives: Explore Abu Dhabi's 50% film rebate program and Dubai's regulatory refinements to attract major international productions, enhancing the UAE's appeal as a filming destination
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Discuss how collaborations between government agencies, private studios, and international production companies can leverage resources, expertise, and infrastructure to create world-class content
- Commission and studio collaboration: Highlight the role of entities like the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Dubai Films and Games Commission in facilitating streamlined processes, talent development, and infrastructure support to ensure a seamless filming experience
15:30 - 15:45 (15
Mins)
Panel - SAE Institute
- Next-Gen toolset: Hands-on experience with industry-leading post-production software, focusing on advanced editing, VFX, and colour grading techniques
- Workflow optimisation: Strategies to enhance efficiency without sacrificing quality, including AI-assisted tools and cloud-based collaboration
- Future-proofing skills: Insights into emerging technologies and trends shaping the future of post-production
15:45 - 15:50
Closing remarks
Thursday,15 May 2025
11:10 - 13:10 (120
mins)
Masterclass
- Crafting compelling narratives across platforms
15:10 – 17:10 (120
mins)
Masterclass
- Advanced post-production techniques
