Al Hamad emphasised the UAE’s unwavering support for transformative media initiatives like BRIDGE, which he described as vital instruments for cross-cultural dialogue and global awareness.
“The dynamic and productive engagement in Osaka sets the stage for BRIDGE’s next chapter — contributing to a unified vision for building influential, future-ready media that can navigate global transformations and shape a more informed, connected world,” he noted.
Dr Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director General of the UAE National Media Office, added: BRIDGE exists to navigate this new reality, to bring together media creators and global stakeholders with a shared mission to build trust, transparency, and impact. The BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi will be a platform where we unite ideas and ambitions to tackle the challenges of our time, create purposeful media, and drive meaningful solutions for a connected, ethical world.”
Osaka: A nexus of heritage and innovation
As the host of Expo 2025, Osaka proved an ideal setting for the Roadshow’s Japan edition. The event welcomed over 30 of the country’s top media, tech, and finance leaders for high-impact sessions on AI, ethical storytelling, and the future of content.
One standout session, “Who’s Cashing In on the Truth Deficit?”, featured a candid discussion between Leika Kihara, Chief Correspondent of Japan Policy at Reuters Japan, and Wendy Siew, Senior VP at WPP Media Japan. Together, they tackled how media must reclaim trust in a landscape saturated by algorithm-driven content and public scepticism.
Another highlight, “Thinking Machines, Feeling Minds: AI’s Next Frontier”, was led by Dr. Hiro Hamada of ARAYA Inc., who examined how AI is reshaping human perception, agency, and narrative power in the digital age.
Curated networking sessions brought together cultural producers, policymakers, and media executives — reinforcing Japan’s role as a global leader in balancing innovation with tradition.
The Road to Abu Dhabi
Each BRIDGE Roadshow stop contributes to ‘Connecting Conversations’, an evolving series of insights that are informing the agenda for December’s summit.
New York explored trust in AI and fact verification.
London focused on narrative diplomacy and the media’s role in government storytelling.
Osaka spotlighted Asia’s creative economy and the ethics of generative AI.
Future events in Shanghai and other major cities will continue the conversation, addressing emerging themes in cross-cultural storytelling, platform integrity, and collaborative innovation.
BRIDGE Summit 2025
BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi will bring together the full spectrum of global media actors, from artists, influencers, and content creators to investors, policymakers, and tech leaders to forge powerful, purpose-driven collaborations. This historic summit will be a space where thought leadership meets business innovation, and where the future of communication is not only imagined, but actively built.
Ashfaq has been storming the UAE media scene for over 27 years. As Senior Assistant Editor, his insights, analysis and deep understanding of regional dynamics have helped make sense of the unfolding news.
He’s the go-to guy for deep dives into the South Asian diaspora, blending heart, and hardcore reporting into his pieces. Whether he’s unpacking Pakistani community affairs, chasing down leads on international political whirlwinds, or investigative reports on the scourge of terrorism and regional drama — Ashfaq doesn’t miss a beat.
He’s earned kudos for his relentless hustle and sharp storytelling. Dependable, dynamic, and unstoppable, Ashfaq does not just report the news, he shapes it.
AloJapan.com