The Media and Communication Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Fujairah Media Forum 2026, organized by the Fujairah Government Media Office in the United Arab Emirates on 10-11 February 2026, under the theme “New Media: Masks of Truth.” The Forum was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Fujairah. It aimed to foster the exchange of expertise and innovative ideas among media professionals on issues related to new media, as well as the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on content creation and public opinion.

In his address during the Forum’s first session, entitled “Building Leaders of Official Media,” Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of ICESCO’s Media and Communication Sector, emphasized the need for media institutions and international organizations to leverage modern digital platforms in order to build trust and develop a professional media discourse. He further highlighted the importance of supporting media innovation through the adoption of modern technologies, investment in the capacities of young media professionals and journalists, and the enhancement of their skills, particularly in artificial intelligence.

Moreover, he noted that fake and misleading news have become more dangerous than armed conflicts and climate change, according to the outcomes of the World Economic Forum last year. Additionally, Mr. Heikal called on new media leaders to demonstrate exceptional agility in communication, the ability to manage media crises effectively, and to avoid sliding down the slippery slope of trend-chasing that undermines the quality of media content, all while ensuring public trust in published information.

He also stressed the importance of protecting societies from fake and misleading news by adopting media literacy curricula for school and university students, and by developing media legislation frameworks in line with the rapid and remarkable evolution of media platforms.

During the Session, moderated by Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE National Media Authority, participants discussed the impact of technological transformations on official media, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and ways to keep pace with them, and the role of media leadership in shaping and enhancing the new media landscape. The exchange also underscored the need to raise awareness regarding the importance of observing professional media ethics and safeguarding identity and values.

The Session featured the participation of Mr. Faisal Al-Shboul, former Jordanian Minister of Government Communication, and Dr. Tarek Saada, Head of the Egyptian Media Syndicate.