The Dubai Media Council CEO appointments announced on Monday represent a significant milestone in the emirate’s vision to become a global media hub. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has appointed two senior Emirati professionals to lead crucial sectors within the Dubai Media Council, signaling a strategic push toward enhanced media governance and development.
Strategic Leadership Changes at Dubai Media Council
In his role as Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued two executive resolutions that reshape the leadership structure of Dubai’s media authority. Executive Council Resolution No. 92 of 2025 appoints Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama as CEO of the Media Development Sector, while Resolution No. 93 of 2025 transfers Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri from the Government of Dubai Media Office to serve as CEO of the Media Regulation Sector.
Both appointments took effect from November 1, 2025, and will be published in the Official Gazette, cementing their official status within Dubai’s governmental framework.
Understanding the Dubai Media Council’s Role
The Dubai Media Council CEO appointments come at a crucial time for the organization, which serves as the official authority overseeing the media sector in Dubai. Established under Decree No. 66 of 2024, the Council operates under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The Council’s mandate extends across several critical areas that shape Dubai’s media landscape. It develops and implements policies that guide the sector’s growth, establishes regulatory frameworks that ensure quality and compliance, and nurtures human capital through targeted talent development programs.
Meet the New Leadership
Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama: Media Development Sector CEO
As the newly appointed CEO of the Media Development Sector, Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama takes on responsibility for driving growth and innovation across Dubai’s media landscape. This sector focuses on creating initiatives that position Dubai as a premier destination for content creation, fostering partnerships with international media entities, and supporting local media organizations in reaching global standards.
The Media Development Sector plays a vital role in attracting investment, encouraging creative collaboration, and building infrastructure that supports next generation media production. Under the leadership of Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama, this sector will work to implement executive initiatives that align with Dubai’s broader economic and cultural objectives.
Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri: Media Regulation Sector CEO
The transfer of Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri from the Government of Dubai Media Office to lead the Media Regulation Sector brings valuable institutional knowledge to his new role. The regulation sector ensures that Dubai’s media environment operates within clear frameworks that protect both content creators and consumers while encouraging innovation and growth.
This position requires balancing traditional regulatory approaches with the flexibility needed to accommodate rapidly evolving digital platforms, streaming services, and social media channels. The experience of Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri positions him well to navigate these complex challenges.
Vision and Strategic Direction
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, expressed deep appreciation for the confidence shown by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in these appointments. She emphasized that selecting these proven Emirati professionals demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to building robust institutional frameworks that support sustainable media sector growth.
The Dubai Media Council CEO appointments reflect several strategic priorities that align with Dubai’s vision for its media sector.
Building National Talent
Dubai’s leadership recognizes that sustainable growth depends on developing local expertise. The appointments of Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama and Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri underscore this commitment to Emiratisation within the media sector. By placing experienced Emirati professionals in these key positions, Dubai ensures that its media policies and development strategies reflect local values while maintaining global competitiveness.
The Council’s focus on identifying and nurturing talent extends beyond leadership positions. Programs aimed at building a new generation of creative Emirati media professionals form a core part of the Council’s mandate, with initiatives designed to provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for young Emiratis to excel in various media disciplines.
Adapting to Technological Change
Modern media landscapes evolve at unprecedented speeds. Streaming platforms disrupt traditional broadcasting, social media creates new content distribution channels, and artificial intelligence transforms content creation and consumption patterns. The Dubai Media Council recognizes these realities and structures its approach accordingly.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri noted that the Council follows international best practices while maintaining the flexibility to respond to technological advancements and evolving media platforms. This adaptive approach ensures that Dubai’s regulatory frameworks support innovation rather than stifle it, creating an environment where both established media organizations and emerging content creators can thrive.
Fostering International Partnerships
Dubai’s ambition to become a global media hub requires strong international connections. The Media Development Sector, now under the leadership of Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama, will work to strengthen relationships with international media organizations, attract foreign investment in Dubai based media projects, and position the emirate as a preferred location for regional and international media operations.
These partnerships bring multiple benefits. They facilitate knowledge transfer, expose local professionals to global best practices, create collaboration opportunities, and enhance Dubai’s reputation as a serious player in the global media landscape.
The Broader Context of Media Development in Dubai
The Dubai Media Council CEO appointments occur within a broader transformation of Dubai’s media sector. The emirate has invested heavily in media infrastructure, created free zones that attract media companies, and developed policies that support content creation across multiple platforms.
Media Free Zones and Infrastructure
Dubai hosts several free zones specifically designed to attract media companies. These zones offer tax benefits, simplified company formation processes, and access to state of the art production facilities. The Media Development Sector works closely with these zones to ensure they meet the evolving needs of media organizations.
Recent years have seen significant investment in production facilities, post production capabilities, and digital infrastructure that supports high quality content creation. From television studios to podcast production spaces, Dubai continues expanding the physical infrastructure that makes it an attractive location for media professionals.
Content Quality and Standards
The Media Regulation Sector, now led by Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri, plays a crucial role in maintaining content standards. This involves establishing clear guidelines that protect audiences while allowing creative freedom, monitoring compliance with these standards, and taking action when necessary to address violations.
The challenge lies in creating frameworks that work across traditional and digital media. Television and radio have well established regulatory models, but social media content, streaming platforms, and user generated content require different approaches. The sector led by Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri must develop policies that address these newer media forms while maintaining consistency with broader regulatory principles.
Youth Empowerment and Training
Dubai recognizes that its media sector’s future depends on today’s youth. The Dubai Media Council prioritizes programs that identify promising young talent, provide training in both creative and technical skills, offer mentorship from established professionals, and create pathways for career advancement within the sector.
These initiatives aim to build a pipeline of skilled Emirati media professionals capable of producing work that meets international standards. By investing in youth development, Dubai ensures its media sector remains competitive and continues growing for decades to come.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The new CEOs inherit both significant opportunities and notable challenges as they assume their roles.
Balancing Growth and Regulation
One key challenge involves maintaining this balance. The Media Development Sector must create conditions that encourage innovation and attract investment. Simultaneously, the Media Regulation Sector must ensure appropriate oversight that protects public interests. These objectives can sometimes create tension, requiring close coordination between both sectors.
Competing in a Global Marketplace
Dubai’s media sector competes with established hubs in Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, and emerging competitors across the Middle East and Asia. Standing out in this crowded marketplace requires distinctive offerings, whether through competitive production costs, unique locations, skilled workforce, or favorable regulatory environments.
Navigating Digital Disruption
Traditional media business models face ongoing pressure from digital platforms. The Council must help existing media organizations adapt while creating space for digital native companies to flourish. This requires policies that don’t favor one medium over another but instead support quality content creation regardless of distribution platform.
Looking Forward
The Dubai Media Council CEO appointments signal continuity and evolution in Dubai’s media strategy. By placing experienced professionals in these critical positions, leadership demonstrates confidence in the strategic direction while ensuring fresh energy drives implementation.
Success will be measured through several indicators including growth in media sector contribution to Dubai’s GDP, increase in internationally recognized content produced in Dubai, expansion of the skilled Emirati workforce in media roles, and growth in international media companies establishing Dubai operations.
Both Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama and Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri bring track records of achievement to their new roles. Their leadership will shape how Dubai’s media sector develops over the coming years, influencing everything from the content Emiratis consume to how Dubai is portrayed in international media to the career opportunities available for young Emiratis passionate about media careers.
Conclusion
The appointment of new CEOs at the Dubai Media Council represents more than administrative changes. These appointments reflect Dubai’s serious commitment to building a world class media sector that serves as both economic engine and cultural ambassador. Under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with operational leadership from Hesham Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Olama, Rashid Humaid Saeed Al Marri, and Mona Ghanem Al Marri, the Dubai Media Council is well positioned to achieve its ambitious goals.
As Dubai continues its transformation into a global media hub, these leadership appointments provide the expertise, vision, and commitment needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities that lie ahead. The focus on developing national talent, maintaining regulatory excellence, and fostering international partnerships creates a foundation for sustainable growth that will benefit Dubai’s media sector for years to come.
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