The Arab Media Summit 2024 highlighted the exceptional capabilities of artificial intelligence technologies by organizing the "Media Garden" as part of the events of the "Arab Youth Media Forum," which concluded last Monday, and the "Arab Media Forum" held on May 28 and 29. Among these events was the "Artificial Intelligence Garden," marking the first of its kind at a media event of this scale, which also includes the Arab Media Award and the Arab Social Media Pioneers Award.
The "Artificial Intelligence Garden," with its various components, captured the attention and interest of attendees at the summit and during both forums, attracting nearly 4,000 media professionals, including prominent leaders and symbols of media work in the Arab world, editors-in-chief of newspapers, senior writers, thinkers, and content creators. The garden showcased innovative ideas and experiences that the attendees interacted with for the first time, providing a live experience of what artificial intelligence can accomplish, forming the basis for the media of the future.
### Leadership in Media Development
The Arab Media Forum plays an active role in leading the media development process across the region by consistently highlighting new trends and technologies in the media sector, exploring new media horizons, and providing innovative solutions to keep pace with global changes in the media industry while identifying major modern technological trends and pioneering ideas that can contribute to updating the media system. This includes how to benefit from and employ artificial intelligence technologies and applications in media production, thereby facilitating smooth interaction with various media in the future.
The topic of leveraging modern technological transformations to build a robust and competitive media landscape in the region has been a prominent subject of discussion at the Arab Media Forum for years. However, the forum's success in showcasing these trends in the media industry and anticipating their impact on the future of media, along with presenting innovative solutions in this field, has increased the forum's added value as a leading platform for high-level professional dialogue.
### The Artificial Intelligence Garden
In response to the rapid changes in advanced technology and artificial intelligence and to capitalize on the significant opportunities created by this fast-developing sector, the "Artificial Intelligence Garden" was organized by "Brand Dubai," the creative arm of the Media Office of the Government of Dubai, as part of the distinguished events featured in this year's forum. The "Artificial Intelligence Garden" offered participants and attendees interactive experiences and discussions with famous Arab literary and media figures who have passed away, leaving behind a prestigious intellectual legacy. This was facilitated through a virtual dialogue using future technologies that allowed attendees to have face-to-face interactions with the digital representations of these eminent intellectual figures, who contributed their creative journalistic and media work in shaping Arab awareness through works that will continue to inspire generations.
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of "Brand Dubai" and a member of the organizing committee for the Arab Media Forum, stated that "Brand Dubai" was keen this year to present creative activities at the Arab Media Summit 2024 that reflect extensive focus on the future of the media industry through various creative applications of artificial intelligence related to different media aspects. This was achieved through the establishment of the "Artificial Intelligence Garden," one of the important events accompanying the numerous dialogue sessions and workshops included in the event's agenda this year.
### Interactive Activities
The activities of the "Artificial Intelligence Garden" include separate interactive segments that take visitors into a world where boundaries fade and allow them to have a virtual face-to-face meeting with literary and media figures who have shaped the Arab media landscape over the years.
#### Interact with Pioneers - Reviving the Legacy of Media Icons
The "Interact with Pioneers" section within the "Artificial Intelligence Garden" enables virtual interactive communication with a select group of literary and media stars in the Arab world, allowing attendees to pose questions and receive answers through audio and video on topics pertaining to their literary and media legacies and inspiring works. This section allows for a digital representation of media and intellectual icons through their virtual images, where visitors can engage with three Arab literary and media personalities. These digital figures include the renowned Lebanese journalist Ghassan Tueni, UAE poet and writer Habib Al Saigh, and Saudi media figure and author Hani Al Naqshbandi. Visitors to this section can interact with these avatars via dedicated screens equipped with iPads, where they can ask questions and receive immediate responses, creating a virtual interaction closer to reality through specialized artificial intelligence technology designed to provide comprehensive and accurate information about each character's works and creations.
### Your Picture with Artificial Intelligence
This activity is based on a studio supported by AI technology, allowing visitors to control the camera themselves using a remote control, ensuring maximum privacy for taking unique photos. The advanced AI technology processes and edits the images instantly, providing high-quality photos.
### Artistic Creations
This part of the "Artificial Intelligence Garden" focuses on producing drawings and artistic creations using artificial intelligence. Visitors can draw an imaginative sketch, and after finishing it, they can make the necessary modifications to arrive at the final version of the drawing or abstract art within just ten seconds. Once visitors approve the final result, they can submit the drawing to be sent to their email, while displaying another copy of the drawing on an available LED screen.
#### From Their Sayings
The garden also includes a section that celebrates inspiring words from influential media figures who have passed away, drawing the attention of visitors keen to learn about the immortal works and sayings of prominent Arab media personalities through virtual imaginative interaction via artificial intelligence technology.
### Echo of the Future
This part features an auditory experience supported by artificial intelligence in sync with the live performance of a pianist. The instant transformation of sound into visual images represents a unique AI technology that will have a wide-reaching impact on the media industry.
