Abdulla Al Hamed: Digital Media Shapes Future Societies, Calls for Readiness
Abdulla Al Hamed: Digital Media Shapes Future Societies, Calls for Readiness.WAM
DUBAI: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, emphasized the powerful role of digital media in shaping societies and highlighted the importance of being prepared to harness its opportunities while addressing its challenges.
Speaking at the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2025, held in Dubai from January 11 to 13, Al Hamed underscored the transformative potential of digital media, describing it as a double-edged sword with both significant benefits and emerging risks.
Digital Media: A Tool for Positive Change
Al Hamed explained that digital media provides unprecedented opportunities to promote awareness, positivity, and shared human values. “It is a valuable tool to drive progress, prosperity, and goodwill across societies,” he said. However, he also warned that the rapid evolution of digital platforms requires a clear, proactive strategy to address its challenges.
He urged stakeholders, including governments, institutions, private companies, and content creators, to work collectively and responsibly to maximize its positive impact.
The UAE’s Vision for Digital Media
Highlighting the UAE’s leadership in embracing digital transformation, Al Hamed said, “The UAE recognized early on the power of digital media to drive economic and social progress. Through proactive strategies, we have positioned ourselves as leaders in shaping the future of this sector.”
He also noted the UAE’s commitment to balancing innovation with the preservation of cultural identity and values.
Summit’s Role in Driving Change
The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2025, the largest global event focused on the content creator economy, drew over 15,000 influencers, 420 speakers, and 125 experts. Under the theme “Content for Good,” the summit focused on leveraging digital media for positive societal impact.
Al Hamed stated, “The summit demonstrates the UAE’s dedication to building a sustainable digital economy while ensuring that advancements in this sector benefit societies.”
Shared Responsibility in the Digital Era
Al Hamed emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in navigating the challenges of digital media. He called on governments to empower content creators, private companies to support startups, and individuals to seek trusted sources of information.
“Creating and supporting meaningful content is essential to counter misinformation and foster societal growth,” he added.
As digital media continues to transform the world, Al Hamed urged everyone to adapt to its rapid changes, stating, “The pace of development is accelerating, and we must be ready to engage with these opportunities and challenges for the betterment of humanity.”
