Speakers of the 9th edition (2024)

Mona Al Marri is one of the most prominent young Emirati leaders in the UAE media landscape with a strong record of achievements in media and strategic communications. She is also a leading advocate for the empowerment of women and their greater participation in national development.

Al Marri holds a number of leadership positions including the Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, President of the Dubai Press Club, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Forum and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit.

She is the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Al Marri is also the Chairperson of the Dubai Council for the Future of Media and a member of the National Experts Programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Currently, Al Marri is also a member of the Board of the United Arab Emirates University.

She was previously a Member of the Boards of the National Media Council, Dubai Media Incorporated and Young Arab Leaders. She was also a member of the first Board of Dubai Media City established in 2001.

Al Marri’s journey as an advocate for women’s development began in 2003 when Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has appointed her as the Vice President of Dubai Ladies Club. She led the creation and development of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) in 2006, and is currently the Chairperson of DWE’s Board. She was appointed Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015.

The World Economic Forum named her as a Young Global Leader in 2014. She is also a member of the WEF Global Agenda Council on Future of Media, Entertainment and Culture.