Introduction
In a concerted effort to advance international cooperation in media innovation and digital transformation, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of both the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, embarked on a key diplomatic and industry mission to Shanghai. His visit, part of the BRIDGE SUMMIT 2025 Roadshow, underscores the UAE’s growing commitment to positioning itself as a nexus of global media and technology collaboration.
Strategic Meetings and Collaborations
During his time in Shanghai, Al Hamed engaged in a series of high-level discussions with influential executives in sectors spanning media, creative industries, artificial intelligence, and educational technology. These meetings were strategically designed to pave the way for expanded partnerships and joint ventures that align with the UAE’s vision for a digitally empowered knowledge economy.
A key focus of the visit was the co-development of digital content tailored specifically for Middle Eastern audiences. With media consumption patterns shifting rapidly in the region, he emphasized the importance of leveraging international expertise to enrich the Arabic digital content ecosystem. Discussions also delved into mechanisms for attracting creative investment into the UAE’s burgeoning media sector and enhancing the flow of innovation between East Asia and the Gulf.
Some Prominent Meetings
- VitalBridge (Jinjian Zhang):
Among the most prominent engagements was Al Hamed’s meeting with Jinjian Zhang, Founding Partner of VitalBridge, a Shanghai-based venture capital firm at the forefront of AI and robotics investment. Their talks centered on the integration of artificial intelligence into media production and smart education—areas the UAE has identified as critical to future development. By exploring the application of advanced technologies in learning and content creation, the two parties discussed frameworks that could lead to transformative changes in both sectors. - Cartea (Bonnie Zhang):
Another significant meeting took place with Bonnie Zhang, Founder of Cartea, an automotive lifestyle platform that is quickly emerging as a cultural and commercial bridge between Chinese automotive brands and Gulf consumers. Their discussions aimed to identify cross-market strategies that could boost regional media visibility for Chinese enterprises while enriching the Gulf’s lifestyle content landscape. - ShineGlobal (Vivi He):
Al Hamed also met with Vivi He, Founder of Xiaguangshe (ShineGlobal), a Shanghai-based think tank that specializes in advising Chinese companies on global expansion strategies. Their conversation explored ways to help Chinese firms better understand and navigate Middle Eastern markets through culturally nuanced media strategies and tailored content development. Such insights could prove pivotal in shaping mutually beneficial partnerships.
Vision and Forward Planning
- These meetings in Shanghai form a critical part of the build-up to the upcoming BRIDGE Summit 2025, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi this December.
- The summit will serve as a major platform for dialogue between global media and tech leaders, furthering the UAE’s ambition to be a center for innovation, policy development, and investment in emerging media technologies.
Conclusion
The Shanghai leg of the BRIDGE Summit 2025 Roadshow not only showcased the UAE’s proactive diplomacy in forging new media alliances but also highlighted its role as a global hub where East meets Middle East.
In line with its broader vision for economic diversification and digital leadership, the UAE’s initiative to build bridges with China’s tech and media leaders signifies a forward-thinking approach to global collaboration. As preparations intensify for the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi, the groundwork laid in Shanghai sets a promising foundation for future projects that could redefine media, education, and technology ecosystems across continents.
