More related content on the BRIDGE
- Technology Fireside 8 December 1:10 - 1:30PM
Alexis Ohanian on ‘Re-turning’ the Web
Alexis Ohanian helped launch one of the internet’s most influential communities and is now reimagining the future through his firm Seven Seven Six. In this fireside, he shares where the creator economy is heading, how AI is reshaping value and ownership, and what lessons from building Reddit still matter to media leaders today. Expect insights on the next global hubs of innovation and what trends will define 2026.
Forum StageModerator
- Technology Fireside 9 December 12:05 - 12:20PM
Unlocking growth for businesses, économies 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 - Media Fireside 10 December 10:10 - 10:30AM
Leadership for an Open Digital Future
As digital platforms evolve into the world’s de facto public squares, leadership must evolve with them. This session explores how nations can champion openness, accountability, and access in a time when private actors shape public discourse. Reflecting on Senegal’s success in expanding connectivity and safeguarding media freedom, H.E. Macky Sall shares lessons on building a digital future rooted in inclusion, trust, and democratic resilience.
Forum Stage - Technology Panel 10 December 11:35 - 11:55AM
Reprogramming Humanity in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence reshapes the creative landscape, what remains uniquely human? Osama and Sarah explore the next evolution of the creator economy, where intuition, empathy, and ethics emerge as our most advanced technology. This session redefines creativity as a human operating system built to adapt alongside intelligent machines, not against them.
Academy Stage - Creator Economy Panel 9 December 11:10 - 11:40AM
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 StageSpeakers
Moderator
- Media Panel 8 December 5:40 - 6:10PM
The Art of Conversation
In a world defined by noise, speed, and polarization, meaningful dialogue has never been more essential—or more rare. This session brings together leading voices from media, culture, and public life to reflect on the craft of conversation: how empathy, curiosity, and listening can rebuild understanding in an age of constant broadcast. Through their experiences, they explore how dialogue can bridge divides, shape narratives, and remind us of our shared humanity.
Central StageSpeakers
