Abdellatif Bekhouche on UAE Media Progress
A Future Built on Innovation and Purpose
By Hafsa Qadeer
What sets the UAE’s media landscape apart from the wider Middle East, says Abdellatif Bekhouche, is its diversity and uniqueness, as the country has opened its doors to both regional and international media institutions, creating a welcoming environment for new outlets and supporting their growth. This openness has attracted some of the world’s leading media organizations, reshaping the region’s media map and fostering an ecosystem where local and global players coexist to produce purposeful, high-quality content that influences not only the Arab world but audiences far beyond.
The role of world-class media zones such as Dubai Media City, Studio City, and Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 has been instrumental in building this progress. By hosting international giants alongside innovative local outlets, offering advanced infrastructure, and nurturing creativity through incentives and collaboration, these hubs have positioned the UAE as a leader in media development, driving innovation and content production while cementing the nation’s place on the global stage.
Media, often described as the fourth estate, has become a key instrument of the UAE’s soft power. From his years as a correspondent for France 24 in Dubai, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed firsthand how international media based in the Emirates shaped Arab public opinion through credibility, balance, and trust. Reports produced from Dubai resonated widely, proving the country’s role as a platform for meaningful storytelling.
Similarly, his experience at CNBC Arabia highlighted how the UAE has used media to drive economic influence, with coverage of finance, markets, and business shaping perspectives across the region. Together these experiences reflect how the Emirates has amplified its influence, bridging global narratives, strengthening credibility, and positioning itself as both an economic and political voice of authority.
The UAE’s approach to storytelling is equally remarkable, blending tradition with innovation. Sharjah, in particular, stands as a cultural model by linking festivals, book fairs, and artistic platforms into powerful storytelling experiences that preserve heritage while reaching international audiences.
Bekhouche recalls how, during his time covering cultural movements for the Saudi Cultural Channel, he saw firsthand how the Emirates not only protects its traditions but transforms them into impactful narratives that resonate globally, merging authenticity with creativity in a way that connects diverse audiences.
What excites Abdellatif Bekhouche most about the future is how the UAE integrates emerging technologies like AI, AR, VR, and advanced digital platforms into journalism without losing sight of substance. The innovation here is not about replacing tradition but enhancing it, making stories more interactive, engaging, and relevant.
With media zones like Dubai Media City, twofour54, and Sharjah’s cultural institutions leading this transformation, the UAE is poised to set new global standards by combining technology with authenticity to produce content that is both credible and impactful. This evolution is also shaped by the UAE’s demographic diversity.
Home to over 200 nationalities, the country’s media platforms serve as inclusive spaces that reflect this multiculturalism while keeping Emirati traditions and identity at the core. By producing multilingual content that resonates worldwide while grounding stories in local culture, the UAE has created a model that celebrates diversity without losing authenticity.
Major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28 have further elevated the country’s media profile. Covering these milestones firsthand, Abdellatif Bekhouche witnessed how the UAE’s ambition and strategic communication not only showcased its achievements but also enhanced its global reputation. Through such platforms, the Emirates has demonstrated how effective media engagement can amplify soft power, unify narratives, and inspire global respect.
Looking ahead, Bekhouche hopes to see a headline that reads “UAE Leads the World in Innovative and Purposeful Media.” Such a future would reflect a landscape where creativity, cultural depth, and cutting-edge technology combine seamlessly, where the country continues to serve as a hub for international media while nurturing local talent, and where the content produced informs, inspires, and connects audiences across the globe. It would signify not just technological progress but also the UAE’s unwavering commitment to credibility, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling.