BRIDGE Summit 2025: How Abu Dhabi Put Media’s Future On Stage

Wide header image showing diverse professionals in Abu Dhabi looking at curved digital screens with AI, gaming, Web3, and digital art visuals.

From 8 to 10 December 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted BRIDGE Summit 2025, a three‑day event at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi that pulled global attention to the UAE.

Described as the world’s largest debut media event, it brought together around 60,000 attendees from more than 130 countries, 400 speakers, and 300 exhibitors across 300 plus sessions. The halls were full of creators, policymakers, investors, and brands testing what tomorrow’s media, gaming, and finance could look like.

For UAE-based business owners, investors, and creatives, this is not just another conference. BRIDGE Summit showed how AI, gaming, Web3, trusted media, and creative leadership are shaping the next decade of opportunity in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider Emirates.

In this guide, we share what happened, why it matters, and how we can turn these insights into practical moves for our businesses.

What Is BRIDGE Summit 2025 and Why Does It Matter for UAE Businesses?

BRIDGE Summit 2025 is a global media, technology, and entertainment gathering that turns ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi into a crossroads for ideas and deals. It is set up as both a conference and an exhibition, with tracks for media, the creator economy, gaming and esports, technology, marketing, music, and visual storytelling.

Across three days, around 60,000 people met in one place, with:

More than 400 speakers and industry leaders
Around 300 exhibitors from across media, tech, and entertainment
Over 300 panels, workshops, and showcases

The UAE National Media Office has already framed BRIDGE as a strategic project to strengthen cooperation in global media and content, positioning the country as a long‑term partner for the sector. You can see that emphasis in their coverage of the summit’s launch at Ramadan gatherings on the National Media Office’s BRIDGE feature.

Key themes and sectors at BRIDGE Summit 2025

The summit was large, but the themes were clear and very relevant to SMEs and investors in the UAE. Core areas included:

AI and future media, covering how artificial intelligence affects content creation, newsrooms, marketing, and audience targeting. This matters for any brand that uses content, ads, or automation.
Gaming and esports, from mobile titles to tournaments and streaming. This sector connects to telecoms, events, tourism, and youth engagement.
Web3 and stablecoins, looking at digital tokens, rights management, and new payment models. This is important for cross‑border payments, talent hiring, and digital products.
Creator economy and content, focused on influencers, YouTubers, podcasters, and niche communities. Local brands increasingly rely on these voices to reach customers in the UAE.
Digital art and immersive experiences, including AI-assisted art, AR, and interactive spaces. This connects to museums, galleries, malls, and real estate showrooms.
Investment and innovation policy, where venture capital, sovereign funds, and regulators discussed the next wave of opportunities.
Geopolitics and media trust, linking shifts in global power with how audiences consume information and who they trust.

For UAE founders, this mix shows that media is now a full business stack: content, data, payments, regulation, and culture are all linked. It also highlights the Gulf’s growing role in connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

How BRIDGE Summit supports the UAE’s innovation and investment vision

Panels on investment strategy were clear about one point: capital is moving towards places that support experimentation. Tencent’s investment leaders and the CEO of Dubai Future Foundation spoke about why Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract global tech and media projects. They pointed to agile regulation, a higher tolerance for failure, and a strong ecosystem for pilots and R&D.

For businesses in the Emirates, this translates into:

Faster routes to test AI, gaming, or media products with regulators who understand the technology
Easier access to investors who are already active in Gulf markets
Stronger links between the public sector, corporates, and startups

Large events like BRIDGE also bring new eyes to local businesses, whether they are production houses in Dubai Media City, fintech start‑ups in Abu Dhabi Global Market, or creative studios in Sharjah. Directories and content hubs such as UAEThrive play a growing role in helping this influx of interest find the right local partners and service providers.

AI, Trust, and Regulation: What BRIDGE Summit 2025 Means for the Future of Media

AI was at the centre of many discussions at BRIDGE Summit 2025. It was not treated as a buzzword, but as a basic layer that now touches news, entertainment, marketing, and even finance.

Several panels warned about AI-driven misinformation and deepfakes. A Reuters‑hosted session, for example, highlighted how unchecked AI tools could damage trust in institutions, markets, and brands, especially when younger audiences get most of their “news” from creators.

At the same time, UAE leaders and global experts stressed that turning away from AI is not an option. The goal is to build smart rules, encourage innovation, and protect information integrity at the same time.

UAE’s role in shaping global AI regulation

Minister Omar Al Olama used the summit to underline how the UAE sees its role in global AI policy. His message was direct:

Resisting AI is riskier than using it with care
Regulation should support innovation, not block it
AI must be trained with local culture and values in mind

For companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates, this has clear implications. If we use AI for copywriting, ads, customer support, or analytics, we will work in a country that wants to set clear rules rather than wait for others to decide.

We can expect:

Growth in AI‑related job roles, from prompt engineers to AI safety leads
More demand for staff who can mix technical literacy with local cultural understanding
A need to plan reskilling programmes for teams so they can work effectively with AI tools

For SMEs, a simple start is to map where AI already touches our work, then decide where we want to build skills in‑house and where we prefer trusted partners.

Fighting AI-driven misinformation and protecting brand trust

Another strong signal from BRIDGE was the concern around AI‑driven misinformation. Global media and policy leaders warned that:

Cheap, realistic deepfakes will make it harder to know what is true
Young people already treat creators as their main news source
Trust in brands and institutions can erode quickly after a single viral false story

UNESCO panels at the summit pushed for media information literacy, especially for youth creators. They argued that young people must learn fact‑checking, understand information integrity, and know how to deal with harassment and gender-based abuse online. They also pointed out that many parents are missing from these conversations.

For UAE businesses, this is no longer “just” a media issue. It is a core brand risk. Practical steps include:

Investing in credible, well‑researched content, not only short viral clips
Training teams to verify facts, images, and quotes before posting
Setting clear rules for how we use AI-generated text, images, and video
Preparing crisis plans for handling false information, impersonation, or deepfake attacks

Brands with strong, honest communication will stand out in a noisy environment where trust is fragile.

Digital art, immersive media, and AI as new engagement tools

Chinese media leader Yang Lan used BRIDGE to show how digital art can act as an easy entry point into AI for the public. Her examples included biometric-driven installations that react to our heartbeat, interactive digital heritage exhibits, and blockchain-backed intellectual property.

This is highly relevant for the UAE, where galleries, museums, and tourism boards in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah already experiment with AR, projection mapping, and interactive art. For business owners, we can imagine:

Property developers offering immersive showrooms instead of static brochures
Hotels hosting AI-backed art experiences to attract guests and influencers
Retail brands creating interactive backdrops that double as shareable content spaces

The key lesson is simple. AI and immersive tech are not only back-office tools. They are becoming front-of-house experiences that can increase dwell time, word-of-mouth, and loyalty.

Gaming, Web3, and the Shared 3D Internet: New Growth Paths from BRIDGE Summit 2025

Gaming, esports, virtual worlds, and Web3 payments were some of the most energetic parts of BRIDGE Summit 2025. For many UAE SMEs, this can feel distant, yet the business opportunities are very real.

Panels explored how:

Esports drives demand for events, venues, and high‑speed networks
Virtual worlds can host concerts, product launches, and trade shows
Stablecoins and Web3 tools can simplify global payments and rights management

For a Dubai or Abu Dhabi business, these trends can open new growth paths, from sponsoring esports events to selling digital experiences linked to physical products.

ChinaJoy, esports, and Abu Dhabi as a gaming and digital entertainment hub

One of the strongest signals was the ChinaJoy pavilion, which brought 19 major Asian gaming exhibitors to ADNEC. ChinaJoy is a major name in the global gaming sector, so its presence in Abu Dhabi matters.

This turnout showed that:

Abu Dhabi is seen as a regional hub for gaming and digital entertainment
Telecoms, media companies, and tourism boards see value in esports and interactive content
Families, youth, and creators see gaming as a normal part of social life

Local businesses can plug into this momentum in several ways:

Telecoms and venues can host tournaments and fan events
Hotels and malls can run themed activations linked to popular titles
Production houses can build content studios focused on gaming and streaming
Service providers, from legal to HR, can specialise in supporting gaming firms that base themselves in the UAE

For investors, this is a sign that gaming and esports facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai could be long-term assets, not short trends.

PUBG creator’s vision for a shared 3D internet

PUBG creator Brendan Greene presented his vision for an open, shared 3D layer of the internet. In simple terms, he wants to move from closed, individual games to a large, connected virtual space where people can work, play, and trade.

He stressed three values: trust, creativity, and human connection. Instead of seeing virtual worlds as escape, he framed them as places where people could build, explore, and do business together.

For UAE companies, this could mean:

Virtual showrooms for cars, properties, or fashion that customers can visit from anywhere
Digital twins of large developments in Dubai or Abu Dhabi that allow remote tours and planning
Branded spaces where communities meet, attend talks, or try products in 3D

The UAE’s strong telecoms networks, cloud hubs, and forward‑thinking regulation give our region a natural edge as a test bed for these ideas.

Stablecoins, Web3, and the UAE’s digital finance opportunity

Stablecoins were another practical focus. Speakers from major firms such as Circle and Binance explained that a stablecoin is a digital token linked to a stable asset, usually a currency like the US dollar. This design means prices move less than most cryptocurrencies.

Panels underlined several benefits:

Faster and cheaper cross‑border transfers compared with traditional banking
New payment options for freelancers, remote teams, and global suppliers
Programmable features that can automate royalties or usage-based payments

Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE are already moving on licensing and regulation for virtual assets, which puts our market on the map as a serious Web3 hub.

For SMEs and freelancers, this could soon translate into:

Easier ways to collect payments from overseas clients
New tools for selling digital products or managing rights for content and software
A need to stay close to rules on compliance, tax, and reporting

The smart move now is to track policy updates, speak with qualified advisers, and test small pilots rather than rushing into complex structures.

Human Stories from BRIDGE Summit 2025: Leadership, Creativity, and Longevity

Beyond AI and tech, BRIDGE Summit 2025 gave the stage to human stories. Global stars and creative leaders shared honest accounts of success, failure, and reinvention. Their lessons apply directly to how we build companies and careers in the UAE.

Jackie Chan, Stanley Tong, and the formula for global stories

Hong Kong director Stanley Tong explained how he and Jackie Chan built global box office success. Their formula was clear:

Mix action with comedy so audiences everywhere can enjoy the story
Think globally from day one, from casting to locations
Keep the emotional core human, even when using advanced tech

Tong also revealed a Silk Road‑inspired project that connects Chinese narratives with audiences along historic trade routes, with the Gulf central to that story.

For UAE-based creators, agencies, and brands, the takeaways are powerful. When we design a campaign or a series, we can:

Build for international audiences while respecting local values
Focus on emotion and human stakes, not only visual effects
Treat the UAE as a bridge between East and West, not a side market

This mindset helps our content travel further while still feeling authentic to people in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and beyond.

Yousra and Priyanka Chopra Jonas on reinvention and personal leadership

Legendary actress Yousra used her sessions to talk about staying relevant over five decades. She spoke about:

Staying close to younger and older generations
Choosing projects with intention rather than chasing every trend
Constant reinvention, backed by discipline and the courage to face failure

She also warned about social media becoming a trap if we chase numbers instead of quality.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a complementary story. She talked about:

Breaking stereotypes and taking risks on female‑led roles
Moving across industries and countries while rebuilding her brand each time
Treating a happy home and mental health as core achievements, not side issues

For UAE entrepreneurs and professionals, these stories translate into simple guidance:

Manage your personal brand like an asset
Pace your career instead of burning out early
Accept failure as part of long‑term success
Protect your wellbeing so you can lead teams with clarity and empathy

Geopolitics, media, and the Gulf’s new gravity of power

Geopolitical and media leaders at BRIDGE spoke about the Gulf’s rising “gravity of power”. They described the UAE as a place of stability, capital, and clear strategic vision.

In practice, this means:

More global forums and summits will choose Abu Dhabi and Dubai as hosts
Investors will see the UAE as a neutral meeting point between East and West
Media and policy discussions about AI, content, and regulation will pass through our region more often

For companies, the message is simple. The UAE is now a preferred meeting point for global deals, media partnerships, and policy dialogues. Attending events like BRIDGE, even for one day, can open doors that once required trips to London, New York, or Singapore.

Immersive Experiences and Public Engagement: How BRIDGE Summit 2025 Brings the Future to Life

BRIDGE Summit 2025 was not just about listening to speeches. The organisers turned ADNEC into an interactive playground where families, students, and professionals could touch and test future tools.

For brands, malls, and tourism operators in the UAE, this offers a live case study in how to design memorable experiences that make technology feel human.

Inside the immersive activation zone at ADNEC

The immersive activation zone was one of the busiest areas. Visitors experienced:

AI podcast hosts that could interview guests in real time
Media personality quizzes that suggested which content career might suit them
Mega gaming screens that drew crowds of all ages
Immersive photo and video backdrops perfect for social sharing
Digital‑to‑cave‑art installations that turned modern content into ancient‑style visuals

These experiences made complex tech feel playful and accessible. They also provided hundreds of organic content moments as people filmed, posted, and tagged their visits.

For UAE brands and event planners, similar concepts could work in:

Shopping malls in Dubai Marina or Yas Island
Museums and cultural districts in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
Tourism campaigns for family‑friendly attractions across the Emirates

The big lesson is that experiential marketing does not need to be abstract. It can be as concrete as a smart quiz booth, a large screen, and a creative backdrop that invites people to participate.

Why BRIDGE Summit 2025 matters for parents, youth, and educators

BRIDGE also sent an important signal to parents, teachers, and youth. UNESCO’s focus on media information literacy reminded everyone that young people are no longer passive viewers. They are creators, community leaders, and, in many cases, news sources for their peers.

For families and schools in the UAE, this means we should:

Encourage critical thinking about what children see and share online
Support creative projects, like short films or podcasts, in safe and guided settings
Look for workshops or training that cover fact‑checking, digital wellbeing, and dealing with online abuse

When we build these skills early, we help the next generation use media tools for learning and business, not only for entertainment.

Conclusion: Turning BRIDGE Summit 2025 Insights into Action

BRIDGE Summit 2025 confirmed the UAE’s position as a global hub for media, AI, gaming, Web3, and investment. It also reminded us that trust in information affects every brand, that virtual worlds and digital payments are opening new growth routes, and that long‑term success still rests on human stories and strong values.

To turn these insights into action, UAE business owners and professionals can:

Track AI and Web3 policies so we stay compliant and ahead of new opportunities.
Invest in trusted content and media literacy, inside our teams and with our partners.
Explore partnerships in gaming, esports, and immersive experiences that fit our sector.
Build personal and corporate brands with a long‑term view, not short‑term hype.
Treat UAE-based platforms and events as bridges to regional and global partners.

If we want more customers and partners to discover our companies, we can also take a simple next step today by adding or upgrading our UAE business listing on UAEThrive through the dedicated free listing page at https://uaethrive.com/get-your-uae-business-discovered-for-free.