Israeli, Emirati film industries announce cooperation deal

Mohamed Al-Mubarak, chairman of twofour54 and Image Nation Abu Dhab. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 September 2020
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Israeli, Emirati film industries announce cooperation deal

  • Plans for a regional film festival to showcase Emirati and Israeli productions and co-productions also announced
  • The agreement follows the official signing ceremony at the White House for the agreement brokered by the US

DUBAI: The Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the Israel Film Fund and the Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film and Television School have signed a cooperation agreement for training and production, a joint statement said on Monday.

The agreement includes plans for an annual regional film festival rotating between Abu Dhabi and Israel.

Plans for a regional film festival to showcase Emirati and Israeli productions and co-productions were also announced on Monday.

“This agreement strengthens cultural ties between our creative industries as well as supports the development of Abu Dhabi’s film and TV sector,” Mohamed Al-Mubarak, chairman of twofour54 and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said in a released statement.

 “The art of film is a universal language which can serve as a bridge between cultures and people,”. Lisa Shiloach-Uzrad, executive director of IFF added. “I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for collaboration through which we can learn, create and become closer to our neighbors in the Middle East.”

The agreement is based on four key initiatives, including on bilateral workshops, training, education, the International Film Lab and a regional film festival.

Training programs will be developed for filmmakers from both countries, with the aim of developing Abu Dhabi-Israel film and TV co-productions.


DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

Updated 06 February 2026
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DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media

KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.

DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.

Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”

She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”

Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.

He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”

The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.