Dubai to devise AI tools that understand Arabic

Dubai Media Academy, the specialised training and research arm of Dubai Media Incorporated, on Tuesday announced the launch of its “Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media.”

Unveiled during Dubai AI Week, held from April 21-25 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, this Initiative seeks to build an integrated ecosystem of specialised AI tools and solutions that effectively support Arabic language content across Arab media platforms.

This initiative is a direct response to a series of recommendations put forth by the academy following workshops and sessions held throughout the past year.

These discussions highlighted the scarcity of AI tools capable of effectively handling the complexities and cultural depth of the Arabic language, respecting diverse dialects and cultural nuances.

Through collaborative partnerships with media outlets, technology firms, developers, universities, and research institutions, the Initiative will drive innovations to tackle challenges such as dialect representation, visual content authenticity, and limited availability of reliable Arabic training data.

Muna Busamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, commented on the launch saying: “The 'Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media' represents a tangible response to the real needs expressed by stakeholders in the Arab media sector.

"Through the dialogues conducted by the academy, we recognised the significant need for AI tools capable of understanding the Arabic language and considering the cultural diversity of Arab societies."

She added, "Based on Dubai Media Academy's role as a leading research and knowledge institution, we are leveraging our expertise and specialised studies to serve the efforts aimed at developing technological solutions that support Arab media and its ability to preserve the identity and cultural specificity of our Arab societies, while enhancing its presence on the global stage."

To support this launch, Dubai Media Academy also released the first edition of the white paper, "Status of Artificial Intelligence in Arab Media," which serves as a strategic roadmap outlining priorities for researchers and technology developers.

The document identifies technical requirements, offers clear guidelines, and highlights opportunities to produce original AI-driven solutions specifically designed for the Arab media landscape.

Adviser to Dubai Media Academy Asem Galal further noted, “What distinguishes the 'Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media' is the collective enthusiasm of all active parties in the media and technology fields, and their constructive efforts to shape the future of Arab media and support it with intelligent tools capable of understanding our culture."

He pointed out that the initiative represents a qualitative leap towards shaping the future of a nation through artificial intelligence.

Throughout Dubai AI Week, the Academy will conduct targeted workshops and discussions, with further strategic projects and partnerships that will be announced successively throughout the year.

Recently, the Dubai Press Club (DPC), in collaboration with Dubai Media Academy, organised a training programme featuring a series of knowledge sessions that explored the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into media strategies.

The programme was organised as part of DPC’s commitment to anticipating future digital trends and advancing the development of the media sector.

The joint initiative aimed to enhance the capabilities of media professionals, accelerate the adoption of AI tools, and empower specialists in the region to harness the transformative potential of AI in media operations.

The programme focused on equipping media practitioners with the skills and insights needed to create innovative solutions that enhance their work.

Commenting on the initiative, Maryam Al Mulla, Acting Director of the Dubai Press Club, expressed her gratitude to Dubai Media Academy for its efforts in organising the collaborative programme. “This programme reflects DPC’s vision to foster an innovative media landscape and empower talents with new skills that drive the growth of the region’s media sector. The focus on AI technologies and adapting to the rapid transformations in the industry underscores our commitment to turning challenges into opportunities and paving the way for a future-ready media ecosystem.”

Muna Bu Samra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This joint initiative represented an important step in advancing media capabilities across the region. The programme’s interactive workshops and knowledge sessions, hosted at the Dubai Press Club, enabled media professionals to design and implement innovative AI solutions, enhancing the scope of future opportunities in the industry.”