Ahmed bin Mohammed attends graduation of first cohort of ‘Economic Content Creators Programme’ and second cohort of ‘DXB500’ programme

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, today attended the graduation of the first cohort of the Economic Content Creators Programme, a specialised track launched under the Dubai Content Creators Programme. 

Supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Economic Content Creators Programme was organised in collaboration with leading media and academic institutions and guided by seasoned experts. It was aimed at equipping aspiring content creators and emerging media professionals with advanced expertise in reporting on economic trends and developments.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended the graduation of the second cohort of the DXB500 Communication Training Programme, which aims to train 500 government and semi-government communication professionals in Dubai.

Launched by His Highness and implemented by the Government of Dubai Media Office in collaboration with leading international media institutions, the programme is designed in accordance with global best practices. It seeks to enhance the effectiveness of media communication across government entities by equipping professionals with advanced tools and strategies that meet the evolving needs of the coming phase, ensuring broader reach and deeper impact of public messaging.

The graduation ceremonies were held on the sidelines of the second day of the Arab Media Summit 2025. 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that preparing a new generation of media professionals capable of conveying Dubai’s development story and strengthening communication between government and semi-government entities marks a key milestone in building an advanced, knowledge-driven media ecosystem that aligns with Dubai’s ambitions and enhances the global presence of Arabic content.

His Highness emphasised that Dubai views media as a vital partner in its development journey, and that investing in media talent is an investment in the future. This vision is supported by a clear media strategy and specialised programmes that offer hands-on training for both creatives and professionals across various media disciplines.

His Highness also posed for commemorative photos with the graduates, congratulating them on their achievement and encouraging them to pursue continuous learning and to further refine their skills to carry out their responsibilities with excellence.

Economic Content Creators Programme
A total of 31 participants completed the intensive three-week Economic Content Creators Programme, which featured advanced workshops and hands-on training sessions. The programme covered a wide range of essential topics, including macro- and microeconomics, financial literacy, economic journalism, digital storytelling, the use of AI in media, fact-checking, smartphone-based video production, and interactive data visualisation.

New Generation of Storytellers
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: “The graduation of the first cohort of the Economic Content Creators Programme reflects the fruitful collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Dubai Media Council. It represents a significant step forward in building a robust ecosystem for economic content creation in the UAE, one that fosters innovation, supports talent, and keeps pace with the rapid economic transformations locally, regionally, and globally.

He added: “The graduates of this programme are part of a promising new generation of content creators capable of presenting economic policies and developments to the public in a clear, credible and engaging manner. We see them as partners in conveying the UAE’s developmental strategies and economic vision in a way that strengthens public awareness and engagement. The Ministry regards the media sector as an essential partner in communicating the UAE’s economic progress and long-term aspirations.”

Strategic Vision 
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, said: “The Economic Content Creators Programme is a key outcome of DPC’s strategic vision to develop specialised and impactful Arabic content. It reflects the leadership’s directives to invest in people and empower young media talent with the tools and skills required to create content that resonates with audiences and serves the UAE’s vital sectors.”

She added: “We are proud to mark the graduation of the first cohort of this programme, which reflects our commitment to nurturing media talent and preparing them to enter the industry with confidence. This initiative also supports our broader vision to strengthen the region’s media landscape and enhance its global competitiveness.”

Empowering Talent
Mahfoudha Abdullah, Manager of the Dubai Content Creators Programme, said the initiative was designed to address the increasing demand for specialised economic content in the Arab media landscape. “The programme combines deep economic insight with advanced media and technical skills to help young creators produce reliable content that reflects today’s economic realities in a relatable way,” she said.

She added: “The success of this inaugural cohort strengthens our commitment to expanding the specialised tracks of the Dubai Content Creators Programme, in line with Dubai’s vision to foster a knowledge-based society that is globally competitive.”

The graduates expressed their appreciation to the Dubai Press Club for its continued efforts in supporting media professionals and enhancing the overall media landscape. They praised the Club’s role in offering valuable opportunities through its year-round workshops, discussions, and training initiatives—culminating in the Arab Media Summit, the region’s largest platform for shaping the future of media.