Media Leader
Throughout my journey as a media leader, I’ve been driven by a deep passion for storytelling and the power of communication. From the early days of self-learning and experimentation to becoming a recognized figure in the industry, I’ve always sought to make a meaningful impact through my work. My dedication has led me to numerous achievements, including being a proud graduate of the Young Arab Media Leaders Program in the UAE, where I trained under top media professionals and engaged with leading global institutions like CNN Arabic, Reuters, and Sky News.
These experiences have not only shaped my career but also fueled my commitment to mentoring the next generation of media talents. My work in producing and voicing news reports for the Abu Dhabi Network, as well as my involvement in training and supervising audio production processes, has further solidified my role as a leader in the media field. Each milestone in my journey reflects my unwavering dedication to excellence and my desire to contribute to the growth and development of the media landscape in the Arab world.
the Young Arab Media Leaders Program in the UAE
Day 1
On the first day of my participation in the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program, representing Syria at the Arab Youth Center in the UAE, I engaged in a workshop on using artificial intelligence in digital production with the talented Mohammad Ihsan. We also had a panel discussion on sustainable media with Jaafar Al-Zoubi, Head of News at Al Mashhad. It was a productive start to the program, filled with valuable insights from our guests and trainers.
Day 2
The second day of my participation in the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program, representing Syria, was filled with engaging media dialogues and practical workshops at the College of Mass Communication at Ajman University. We produced meaningful Arabic content inspired by the diverse backgrounds of the Arab participants, in collaboration with Ajman University graduates, within a two-hour challenge. The day concluded with a visit to the Majlis of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, where we had a fruitful discussion followed by lunch with His Highness. I’m grateful to the Arab Youth Center for these enriching experiences that contribute to our growth as media leaders.
Day 3
On the third day of the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program at the Arab Youth Center in the UAE, representing Syria, we visited the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority to explore behind-the-scenes work in radio and TV studios, along with the latest technologies used in broadcasting. This was followed by a visit to Sharjah Media City (Shams), where we had an insightful discussion with H.E. Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa about the evolution of media, Shams’ initiatives, and its role in fostering Arab media talent. The day ended with a tour of blinx, where we observed the production environment and content creation techniques used by the platform.
Day 4
The fourth day of the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program began with an engaging session led by Mr. Sadiq Jarrar, Director of the Arab Youth Center. We then had a compelling discussion on the significance of content creation and the profound influence of social media in our era, with H.E. Saeed AlEter, Head of the UAE Government Media Office. Nabila Rahhal, a journalist at LinkedIn, shared personal branding techniques on the platform. The day concluded with an insightful conversation with Anas Al Marai about the integration of marketing in media. I extend my gratitude to the Arab Youth Center for its exceptional efforts in curating programs that enhance our skills and prepare us to be the next generation of Arab media leaders.
Day 5
On the fifth day of the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program at the Arab Youth Center in the UAE, we started with a workshop led by the esteemed Dr. Caroline Faraj, Vice President of CNN Arabic, who shared her rich experiences in the media industry spanning three decades. This was followed by a session on journalism ethics with the dynamic Samya Ayish. We then toured CNN Arabic’s headquarters, experiencing firsthand the operations in their state-of-the-art newsrooms and studios. The day included a visit to Warner Bros. Discovery, where we explored its diverse projects. The highlight was meeting astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE’s Minister of Youth, who shared his inspiring journey and insights on perseverance and ambition in achieving dreams. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with decision-makers and understand our roles as young leaders in contributing to the growth and success of the Arab world.
Day 6
The sixth day of the Arab Youth Media Leaders Program, held at the Arab Youth Center in the UAE, started with a lecture by the faculty of the School of Communication from the American University in Dubai. We discussed the intersection of cinematic and media messaging. The day continued with an inspiring session with H.E. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, where we delved into Dubai’s vision for the future, the role of leadership in shaping it, and the current and future impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector. We then participated in a documentary filmmaking workshop led by the AUD faculty, where my documentary proposal won third place and an opportunity for production support. The day concluded with celebrating Jordan’s Independence Day alongside our Jordanian brothers and sisters. My heartfelt thanks to the Arab Youth Center for their meticulous organization and dedication to developing the next generation of Arab media leaders.
Day 9 & 10
I was thrilled to attend the 22nd edition of the Arab Media Forum, organized by the Dubai Press Club alongside the Arab Youth Center. As part of the Young Arab Media Leaders program, I represented Syria at this prominent event, which brought together leading figures from the global media industry, including ministers, media executives, editors-in-chief, writers, thinkers, and opinion leaders from around the world.
Day 11
On the 11th day of the Young Arab Media Leaders program, we started with an introductory session about the Third Sector Program, a new initiative by the Arab Youth Center. This was followed by a workshop on the “Power of Words” by Deraya Speakers and a session on personal branding and self-marketing with the renowned media personality, Ali Alsaloom, CEO of Maestro Enterprises FZ LLC. I had the honor of concluding the day by moderating a session with His Excellency Hamoud Al Junaibi, Deputy Secretary-General of Emirates Red Crescent, where we discussed the importance of storytelling in humanitarian work. I am proud to represent Syria in such a significant program and thank the Arab Youth Center for the trust and opportunity.
Day 12
Our 12th day featured a training workshop with Sky News Arabia Academy on leadership qualities in media and content specialization, including practical exercises on public speaking with the distinguished Faisal Bin Huraiz. We also had a session on using artificial intelligence in digital production and content creation, led by Abdullah Abudiak. The day ended with an inspiring meeting with His Excellency Jamal Nasser Al Suwaider, Executive Director of the News Content Sector at Emirates News Agency (WAM). Many thanks to the Arab Youth Center for their precise program selections that empower our skills and help cultivate the next generation of Arab media leaders.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes of our video shoot during the visit to CNN Arabic with the Arab Youth Center, I had the chance to present a mock news segment after recording my part. Visiting major media headquarters and seeing our future media paths gradually unfold was an incredibly exciting experience.
Visit to Asharq News
During our field visit to Asharq News as part of the Young Arab Media Leaders program, organized by the Arab Youth Center, and my participation as a representative of Syria, we had an insightful experience. We learned about Asharq’s vision and activities, starting with a discussion with Riad Hamade, Head of Asharq Business, about the intertwined relationship between economics and media and the partnership between Asharq and Bloomberg. We also visited Asharq’s studios, met the teams behind the scenes, and had an engaging conversation with Hatem Alshouli about Asharq’s editorial policy and journalistic standards. It was an inspiring visit to a professional environment that motivated us to further develop our media expertise. Many thanks to the program and Asharq for this valuable opportunity.
Program Conclusion
The Young Arab Media Leaders program concluded with a three-day training workshop with Thomson Reuters. The sessions covered news storytelling techniques, online news monitoring, and using artificial intelligence in news gathering and verification. The workshop culminated in the production of video news reports, allowing us to apply the concepts and techniques we learned. It was a highly enriching media experience, and I am deeply grateful to Thomson Reuters and the trainers for sharing their expertise, and to the Arab Youth Center for carefully selecting programs that empower our skills and help create the next generation of Arab media leaders. I am proud to have represented Syria in this important media training program in the UAE.
