Arab Media Summit builds momentum with Mallathon at Dubai Mall
Dubai’s media community is already warming up for one of the region’s biggest industry gatherings. More than 350 journalists, content creators, influencers and media professionals came together at Dubai Mall on July 23 for the Arab Media Summit Mallathon, a networking-focused event designed to build momentum ahead of the Arab Media Summit 2026 in September.
Organised by the Dubai Press Club in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, the event was held under the theme “Arab Media Moves Towards the Summit” and combined physical activity with professional networking in a more informal setting than a traditional conference. Participants walked, connected with colleagues and exchanged ideas about the future of the media industry.
The initiative was created to involve the media community in the build-up to the summit and encourage professionals to contribute their ideas and perspectives before the main event begins. Organisers also highlighted upcoming opportunities, partnerships and masterclasses that will form part of the September programme.
For many participants, the Mallathon offered a different way to connect. Instead of formal meeting rooms and panel discussions, media professionals, digital creators and influencers were able to meet in a relaxed environment while discussing industry trends, new formats and the future of content creation.
The event also reflected the growing overlap between traditional media, social platforms and the creative economy. As audiences increasingly move between television, digital publications, social media and emerging formats, collaboration between professionals from different parts of the industry is becoming more important.
The Arab Media Summit 2026 will bring together a broader programme of specialised events, including the Arab Media Forum, Government Communication Forum, Arab Youth Media Forum, Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, and the Film and Gaming Forum. Together, these platforms will explore major changes shaping media, from technology and audience behaviour to new approaches to storytelling and digital content.
The summit builds on more than 25 years of history, beginning with the launch of the Arab Media Forum. Over the years, the platform has brought together political figures, decision-makers, thought leaders, media organisations and creators from across the Arab world to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Interest in the event continues to grow internationally. The 2025 edition attracted more than 8,000 media professionalsfrom the UAE and abroad, while its digital footprint included more than 40,000 social media posts, over 150 million views and nearly 16 million engagements.
With the September summit approaching, the Mallathon served as an early meeting point for Dubai’s expanding media ecosystem. More than a morning fitness event, it brought together the people who are increasingly shaping how stories are created, distributed and consumed across the region — setting the stage for wider conversations about the future of Arab media later this year.
