The BRIDGE Summit 2025 officially commenced its journey with the first roadshow stop in Cairo, gathering over 300 prominent figures from across the media, arts, and content creation industries. Editors-in-chief, top production companies, and cultural influencers came together in the Egyptian capital to set the tone for the upcoming main summit, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. The Cairo event was designed as an introductory platform to outline the summit’s vision of creating a global hub for media, content, and entertainment, with collaboration and cultural exchange at its core.
Cairo’s selection as the launch city carried significant symbolism. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director General of UAE National Media Office and Vice Chairman of BRIDGE, underscored Egypt’s historic role in shaping the Arab world’s cultural and media landscape. He explained that Cairo was not a secondary option but an essential part of the summit’s foundation, serving as a bridge to both Africa and international networks. With Egyptian cinema and television long recognized as regional pillars of cultural influence, the city provided an ideal backdrop for initiating discussions about media’s future role in shaping societies. The evening’s attendance reflected this, featuring celebrated actress Yousra and veteran broadcaster Mahmoud Saad, alongside other influential voices from Egypt’s creative sector.
Discussions in Cairo highlighted some of the summit’s central themes, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and its growing role in media and content production. Panel sessions explored how AI can transform storytelling, audience engagement, and the creation of meaningful cultural narratives. Organizers positioned BRIDGE as more than a temporary industry gathering, describing it as a comprehensive global platform for uniting creators, investors, and policymakers in building a sustainable media ecosystem. Dr. Al Kaabi explained that the summit’s long-term success would be measured not by applause but by its enduring legacy in shaping identity, strengthening global collaboration, and positioning media as a foundation of cultural and national development.
The Cairo event also marked the first step in building momentum toward the December gathering in Abu Dhabi, where cross-border partnerships and strategic collaborations are expected to take center stage. BRIDGE Summit aims to bring together diverse voices from the entertainment industry, technology sectors, and policy-making institutions to align visions for the future of global media. With its ability to connect cultural heritage to emerging digital innovations, the summit presents an opportunity for stakeholders to explore how media can contribute to both societal progress and economic growth. The roadshow’s successful start in Cairo signaled strong interest in the initiative, setting the stage for the broader international dialogue that will unfold in Abu Dhabi later this year.
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