More related content on the BRIDGE
- Creator Economy Workshop 9 December 11:25AM - 12:05PM
You are the idea, AI is the team
Learn the fundamentals of creating engaging video content tailored for social media platforms to boost visibility and interaction. Trainer: Abanoub Imad, Sky News Arabia
IMI Academy - Media Fireside 8 December 2:40 - 2:55PM
Independent Media's Biggest Powerplayers
Real-time reporting and live, personality-driven broadcasts on platforms like X have transformed journalism and elevated independent voices into powerful forces of culture. This session explores how authenticity, speed, and direct-to-audience communications have shifted influence away from traditional institutions, reshaping credibility, trust, and the architecture of modern media.
Forum StageSpeakers
Moderator
- Media Presentation 9 December 1:15 - 1:30PM
Memes as a Media Business
Memes have evolved from inside jokes to infrastructure, shorthand for how culture communicates, trades attention, and builds identity. What began as internet humour now drives audience behaviour, politics, and brand value. In this session, the architects of today’s meme networks unpack how they’ve scaled communities into businesses: from managing millions of followers to producing longform shows, podcasts, live activations, and brand IP. Together, they explore the transition from meme pages to media empires — and what that says about the future of storytelling, fandom, and cultural authority.
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- Gaming Fireside 8 December 1:45 - 2:00PM
Transparency, Technology, and Trust: Why Public Testing Matters for the Future of Autonomy
As gaming evolves into a dominant force in entertainment, new models for creation, distribution, and engagement are rapidly emerging. This session explores how technology, content, and community are reshaping the industry at a global scale. From world-building to cross-platform ecosystems, we examine what it takes to design the next generation of gaming experiences and unlock the sector’s next chapter of growth.
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- Creator Economy Panel 9 December 12:00 - 12:15PM
Breaking Down the Creator Monetization Stack
The creator economy is set to exceed $500 billion by 2027, driven by over 50 million individuals building businesses on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon, according to Goldman Sachs. While brand deals remain dominant, creators are increasingly monetizing through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and direct-to-fan models. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, with initiatives like the New Media Academy, 1 Billion Followers Summit, and regulatory exemptions contributing AED 2.5 billion to GDP in 2024. As monetization channels multiply and governments invest in creator-friendly infrastructures and supports, how can creators further grow revenue stacks to reflect their values, engage their communities, and support long-term growth?
Academy StageModerator
- Picture Panel 10 December 1:50 - 2:20PM
Arab Cinema’s Interactive Future
From auteur to audience co-creation: how AR/VR stages, immersive premieres, and regional studio growth can move Arab stories from local gems to global hits.
Forum StageSpeakers