More related content on the BRIDGE
- Marketing Panel 10 December 12:25 - 12:55PM
The Human-Anchored Marketing
Marketing is in a moment of radical change. AI has upended old systems, blurring the line between creativity and code. Yet even as teams adopt new tools and workflows, the core challenge remains keeping humanity at the heart of every story. This conversation explores how marketers are shuffeling their operations to co-create with technology while keeping authenticity, accountability, and empathy at the center because even in an algorithmic age, creativity and humanity still move hearts, minds, and markets.
Central Stage - Media Panel 9 December 3:55 - 4:25PM
Longform’s Next Act
In a media environment dominated by sensationalism and short-form content, longform journalism has struggled to keep its grip. According to the 2025 Reuters Institute Digital News Report, 62 percent of online news consumers now prefer bite-sized updates. Yet platforms like YouTube and Substack show renewed demand for depth, with Substack alone reporting a fivefold rise in paid subscriptions since 2020. The question is no longer whether audiences have the attention for longform, but whether the industry is delivering it in ways that resonate. Publishers and creators are now reimagining longform for a global, digital-first audience, using new distribution models and partnerships to balance reach with resonance, and to define the next era of credible, enduring media.
Forum StageSpeakers
- Technology Fireside 9 December 10:50 - 11:00AM
The Next Chapter of Connection
As technology redefines how we see, share, and connect, what comes next for human interaction? Join Hussein Freijeh for a conversation on the evolution of social platforms and the role of augmented reality in reconnecting us to our surroundings, our communities, and ourselves.
Forum Stage - Creator Economy Panel 10 December 3:40 - 4:05PM
After the Peak.. What’s Next for the Biggest Creators?
When you’ve built one of the biggest audiences in your region, where do you go next? This session unpacks what growth really means after success, expanding to new languages, new platforms, or deeper impact within communities. This session explores how the top creators are reinventing themselves beyond views and followers, and what it takes to stay relevant, authentic, and inspired when you have already won the game.
Forum StageSpeakers
Moderator
- Technology Fireside 9 December 12:45 - 1:00PM
Unlocking Growth for Businesses and Societies with AI
Opportunities for growth are closer than ever with AI. Join Google for a deep dive into how this powerful technology is becoming accessible to everyone, driving long-term efficiency and competitive advantage across MENA, with responsibility at its core . Discover the untapped potential of AI to enhance efficiency, create new opportunities, and address today's major challenges.
Forum Stage - Picture Presentation 10 December 11:55AM - 12:10PM
Filming the Impossible
How do you capture the uncapturable? In this masterclass, Our Planet director Dan Tapster reveals the art and obsession behind filming the impossible moments of nature so unpredictable, dangerous, or fleeting they defy control. From the depths of the ocean to the peaks of frozen worlds, he shares the creative discipline, patience, and innovation required to turn chaos into cinema. A rare look at how the world’s most breathtaking natural moments are not just found, but earned.
Academy Stage
