IMI Media Academy and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation Forge Five-Year Partnership to Empower 29,000 Arab Youth for Media Careers

IMI Media Academy and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation have launched a significant five-year collaboration aimed at cultivating Arab media talent. This initiative is set to reach 29,000 young individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills for successful careers in the media industry.

Operating under the banner of Al Ghurair Voice Lab, the partnership will bridge the gap between educational development and practical experience, offering tangible professional opportunities. It is designed to create clear pathways into the media sector by providing access to internships, placements, employment, and various professional development programs.

The program encompasses seven distinct initiatives, covering fundamental media skills, advanced professional upskilling, integration into university curricula, storytelling for schoolchildren, national youth engagement, and regional programming across the Arab world. These programs will furnish young people with essential technical and professional competencies, hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and direct exposure to media professionals and workplaces.

The agreement was formally signed by Ali Al Hammadi, Chief Operating Officer at IMI, and Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, Chief Executive of AGF. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of IMI, and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of AGF’s board.

This initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as rapid technological advancements, evolving audience behaviors, and innovative media production methods are fundamentally reshaping the skill requirements within the sector. The partnership leverages IMI Media Academy's extensive industry expertise, professional training capabilities, and access to a robust media ecosystem, combined with AGF’s regional experience in education and youth empowerment. Its 'learning-to-earning' approach ensures that skills development is directly linked to pathways toward meaningful professional careers.

Building upon the organizations' prior successful collaboration through the Nomu Al Ghurair Siraj program, which has already equipped 450 graduates with future-ready media skills and facilitated direct industry engagement, this five-year plan significantly expands the scope and ambition. A key focus is placed on connecting learning outcomes with concrete professional opportunities.

“Media plays a crucial role in how our region perceives itself and is perceived by others. Therefore, investing in the individuals who will shape its future is of paramount importance,” stated Dr. Ben Jaafar. “Young people will gain the opportunity to learn within authentic media environments, hone their skills alongside seasoned professionals, and discern a more defined route into the industry. Our goal is to empower young individuals across the Arab region with the skills, access, and platform to contribute their unique perspectives and narrate the stories of their communities.”

Khalid Al Hosani, Director of Operations at IMI Media Academy, commented, “This partnership is fundamentally about cultivating a stronger cohort of Arab media talent, extending beyond mere training delivery. By directly linking education with practical experience, mentorship, and professional prospects, we will enable thousands of young individuals to transition from learning about the media industry to actively contributing to it. Our ambition is to establish a replicable model that yields measurable results in the UAE and can be subsequently scaled across the region.”

Chantal Saliba, Director of Media and Training at IMI Media Academy, added, “Media proficiency cannot be acquired solely within a classroom setting. Young individuals require opportunities to collaborate with experienced professionals, understand the operational dynamics of newsrooms and creative teams, and develop their distinct voices through practical application. This partnership will provide them with invaluable exposure, fostering not only the technical skills demanded by the contemporary industry but also the critical judgment, confidence, and curiosity necessary to shape its future.”

The partnership is slated to commence in the UAE, with plans for expansion across the wider region over the five-year duration. The overarching aim of AGF and IMI Media Academy is to bolster the pipeline of skilled Arab media professionals and establish clearer, more accessible pathways for young people transitioning from education and training into the professional media landscape.