More than 300 media experts from around the world will convene in Dubai next week for the 13th edition of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) Middle East Conference, organised in association with Dubai Production City (DPC).

Set to run from 28 February to 1 March at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, this two-day event aims to provide publishing executives with an exceptional opportunity to discover the latest in regional and global media industry trends and best practices.

Bringing together media publishers, journalists, policymakers, and other stakeholders, the conference seeks to attract, foster and empower young innovative talent in the region, and explore the outlook for news media companies amidst the continued rise of digital content. This is the second year that WAN-IFRA has partnered with an external organisation to co-host its annual gathering.

His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, will deliver the keynote speech at the event. Other confirmed speakers include Ibrahim Badei, Member of the Board of Directors at Dar al-Hayat publishing house; Joe Morrison, Director of Digital TV at Muscat Media Group, Oman, Anthony Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Press Holding Ltd, Alfonso De Gaetano, Director of Global Partnerships at Google for Emerging Markets, Gunilla Asker, CEO Svenska Dagbladet; and Mohammad Fahad Alharthi, Editor-in-Chief of Sayidaty, Al Jamila and Arrajol magazines and many more.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Production City, said: "The media landscape in the region is changing dramatically – from the ways news is shared to the ways it is consumed. It is critical that we address these challenges and navigate the market smartly. Publishers must transform their content as well as business and distribution models, and embrace a more collaborative and interactive approach that recognises the potential value of user-generated content, blogs, social media activism, and data-driven journalism."

He added: "We are proud to organise WAN-IFRA for the second year running – a testimony to our continued efforts in supporting the publishing industry in the UAE and the wider region."

Mechthild Schimpf, Director Middle East, WAN-IFRA: "We at WAN-IFRA strongly believe that first-hand information, knowledge sharing and networking are irreplaceable catalysts for successful transformation and growth. The exponential growth and adoption of consumer technologies drives new news media consumption patterns that force publishers to react rapidly and adjust their businesses accordingly. By sharing industry best practices through our global events, we facilitate peer-to-peer connections for sharing and learning from one another's experiences."

She added: "This is now the ninth year we have had this conference in the beautiful city of Dubai, and I am very grateful for the ongoing dedication, commitment and support that we have received at so many levels – from our hosts to our sponsors, partners and participants. With our partners, Dubai Production City and Dar Al Hayat, we are confident that we will deliver a stellar conference that can help the industry successfully meet and master the challenges it faces."

The first day of the conference will conclude with the presentation of the Middle Eastern Digital Media Awards. These awards recognise publishers who have developed innovative digital media and mobile products and services as part of their overall offering to successfully meet ever-increasing consumer expectations.

To register to the conference, please visit: http://www.wan-ifra.org/registration/middle-east-conference?nid=1510