More related content on the BRIDGE
- Technology Presentation 9 December 11:00 - 11:15AM
The Next Billion Viewers Won’t Watch Stories. They Will Live in Them.
Namit Malhotra will discuss the seismic shift redefining global entertainment: the move from standalone content to engineered, multi-platform story-worlds. He will examine the creative-tech innovations enabling this transformation, why Eastern narratives like the Ramayana are poised for global dominance, and how the Middle East is emerging as a strategic hub for next-gen world-building.
Explore by Instagram - Marketing Panel 10 December 10:50 - 11:20AM
A Playbook for Persuasive Media
This session breaks down the essential mechanics of persuasive media today, from message design and audience targeting to verification, accountability, and the technology used. Audience members leave with a clear, practical framework for shaping stories that move people, inform public life, and reinforce trust in an increasingly fragmented information environment.
Academy StageSpeakers
- Creator Economy Fireside 8 December 3:55 - 4:10PM
Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Before the rise of bite-sized content and algorithm-driven storytelling, some creators built influence the long way, through deep curiosity, lived experience, and long-form craft. In this intergenerational conversation, award-winning chef and storyteller Andrew Zimmern reflects on how he went from kitchens to global screens, using food as a bridge to culture, identity, and understanding. Joining him is a new-generation creator who ascended through digital platforms, bringing a fresh perspective shaped by real-time audiences and algorithmic winds. Together, they explore what has changed, and what hasn’t, when it comes to building trust, telling human stories, and connecting across cultures. What can today’s creators learn from the depth and patience of pre-social-media storytelling? And how can legacy storytellers adapt to a world moving at the speed of the scroll while keeping meaning at the center?
Explore by InstagramModerator
- Technology Panel 10 December 11:10 - 11:40AM
Innovation, Expansion, and the Global South’s Digital Shift
AI is reshaping how emerging markets innovate, scale, and compete—positioning the Global South as a driver of the next digital era. This session explores how advancements in robotics, platform ecosystems, and cross-border growth models are transforming opportunities across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The discussion will examine how AI-enabled innovation is lowering barriers to expansion, accelerating new industries, and creating a more multipolar digital economy.
Central Stage - Creator Economy Fireside 9 December 11:35 - 11:55AM
Gen Z, Gen Give: Philanthropy Through Youth and Story
Generation Z is reshaping philanthropy, blending personal storytelling with the reach of digital platforms to drive meaningful change. Rather than relying solely on donations, they use tools like TikTok and Instagram to amplify causes, build communities, and spark grassroots action. How might this shift toward participatory and transparent giving redefine the future of social impact?
Impact StageModerator
- Media Speech 10 December 11:35 - 11:50AM
The UAE Content Story
How the role of influencers and content creators has shifted from a purely entertainment or media function to a guiding, awareness-shaping role and what impact this transformation has on societies, youth, and social cohesion.
Forum Stage
