The two-day forum will focus on the theme of "Who owns the signals?" to discuss artificial intelligence, trust, and the future of media.
Mohammed Al-Kabi: The forum will promote the development of media practices and look ahead to shaping trends in media decision-making
UAE, Oman, November 2nd / PRNewswire / -- Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Emir of Oman and member of the Supreme Council, the first Oman Media Forum – THE SIGNAL 2026 will be held from November 18th to 19th at the UAE Hotel Centre in Oman. The theme of the forum is "Who Owns the Signals?"
Hosted by the Oman Government Media Office, this two-day forum will bring together media leaders, policymakers, researchers, as well as representatives from media and technology organizations to discuss the future of the industry.
The discussion will focus on the changes that are reshaping media, particularly how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are altering content creation, audience interaction, and public opinion.
The forum will feature 23 sessions, inviting 68 speakers from 17 countries. The event will also bring together 53 organizations and partners, including local, regional, and international media organizations, government agencies, and exhibitors, to exchange experiences and perspectives on the future of the industry.
Mohammad Abdullah Al-Kabi, Executive Director of the Oman Government Media Office, stated: "The Oman Media Forum brings together media leaders, policymakers, and experts to examine the changes that are reshaping the industry, and to discuss how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, can drive the development of media practices and meet the ever-changing expectations of audiences."
"The forum provides a platform for media organizations and industry professionals to engage in responsible dialogue and exchange experiences. It will also discuss various challenges in the digital environment, ranging from the credibility of information, counteracting misinformation, to content creation, as well as changes in the relationship between media and audiences."
Al Kabi added that the forum aims to promote the development of media practices, strengthen cooperation between media and technology stakeholders, and anticipate trends that influence media decision-making, thereby supporting a more innovative industry and enhancing its local and international impact.
The meeting will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence and algorithms on editorial decisions, the threat posed by deep fakes to the credibility of content, changes in the role of content creators, and how digital platforms can attract and retain audiences.
The discussion will also cover cognitive security, the impact of the digital environment on public perception and attitudes, as well as how to address influence operations and misinformation. Other topics include using data and artificial intelligence to predict trends and events, and bringing local stories to a global audience through people-centered storytelling and international cooperation.
On the first day, there will be keynote speeches and thematic sessions, including "Who Owns the Signals?", "Government in the Age of Algorithms: Who Controls the Information?", "The Battle of Narratives: When Information Becomes a Weapon", "Who Takes Control of Newsrooms?", "The Future of Media: Who Will Survive, Who Will Disappear?", "Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Who Wins the Trust of Audiences?", "Content Creators: When Influence Becomes a Profession", "Cognitive Security and Media", "Predictive Media: News Comes Before It Happens", and "How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Film Production and Visual Narratives". The event will also include a special showcase by the Chinese company iFlytek.
The meeting on the second day will discuss the role of media in government communication, diplomacy, and crisis management; the application of artificial intelligence in government information dissemination and building public trust; as well as economic changes and opportunities in the media and creative industries.
The topics include "Who controls the narrative during crises?", "The UAE speaks to the world", and "The future of media trust". Subsequent discussions will also cover content creation as a profession and economic path, AI-driven production, as well as the professional and ethical challenges faced in reporting on wars and conflicts in the era of artificial intelligence and deep fakes.
The forum will also host a youth debate titled "Are Artificial Intelligence Partners or Competitors of Media Professionals?" inviting representatives from the youth committee to discuss the relationship between media professionals and artificial intelligence and its impact on their careers. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony.
The forum will also include sessions on seminars and partner platforms, which will feature events organized in collaboration with TRENDS Research & Advisory. These events will discuss media in the era of artificial intelligence, audience trust, the relationship between the younger generation and screens and digital platforms, as well as how emerging technologies are changing content consumption and sources of credible information.
By connecting media, governments, and tech organizations, the forum aims to enhance credibility, promote innovation, and help the industry adapt to changes in the ways news and information are produced, distributed, and consumed.
