Dubai+ expands global reach for Emirati and Arab content

Dubai Media’s streaming platform Dubai+ has expanded strategic partnerships to boost the international distribution of Emirati and Arab content, unveiling plans at a dinner held on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The gathering, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brought together senior media figures and partners as Dubai+ signalled its role in Dubai Media’s digital transformation and in taking local productions to global audiences via media, entertainment and technology collaborations.

"At Dubai Media, we believe in the important role media plays in shaping awareness and building bridges between societies and cultures. The challenge lies in delivering outstanding content that can reach audiences, create impact and compete. we look forward to a new phase built on partnerships, collaboration and the exchange of expertise to support the growth of Emirati and Arab content production. We also aspire to create content that travels from the emirate to the world and has the qualities needed to compete in global markets, while harnessing our capabilities and expertise to make an impact that reinforces the emirate's presence and standing in the global media landscape." — Mohamed Almulla, CEO of Dubai Media

Context and key participants

The dinner convened media and entertainment leaders, content creators and regional partners to discuss content production, audience engagement and routes to market. Attendees included HE Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; HE Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Arab Media Summit Organising Committee; HE Dr Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of the Lebanese Republic; and senior executives from global news broadcasters such as Paul Bascobert, President of Reuters News, Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of Euronews, and Claus Strunz, CEO of Euronews.

Dubai+ highlighted a strategic partnership with Emirates airline designed to broaden the international reach of local productions by making Emirati and Arab stories available via Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system. The collaboration aims to provide greater exposure for regional films and series across destinations served by the carrier and to help Arab productions access viewers in international markets.

Production capabilities, technology and talent

Dubai+ is positioning itself as a core element of Dubai Media’s digital transformation through an integrated ecosystem focused on entertainment and audience engagement. The platform is investing in local talent, original content, artificial intelligence and advanced production technologies to strengthen capabilities and develop experiences aligned with evolving audience expectations. Officials said these investments are intended to create new opportunities for creatives to produce original, innovative and engaging content that reflects local identity and culture while appealing to broader audiences.

• Event: Dinner on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre
• Patronage: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
• Notable attendees: HE Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed; HE Mona Ghanem Al Marri; HE Dr Paul Morcos; Mohamed Almulla; Paul Bascobert; Pedro Vargas David; Claus Strunz
• Commercial tie: Dubai+ partnership with Emirates to feature content on ice inflight entertainment system

Outlook

Officials framed the partnerships and technology investments as a deliberate push to make Emirati and Arab content more competitive in global markets. With Dubai+ leveraging airline distribution, AI-driven production tools and regional collaboration, the platform aims to scale local storytelling beyond the Arab world while supporting the growth of the regional creative economy and strengthening Dubai’s footprint in the international media landscape.