The world's media industry arrived in Abu Dhabi to attend the first day of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

 

Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, said: "In particular, I wish to emphasize the incentives that will help money flow to those who invest in creativity. The need for global competition to help make local media companies strong and the reminder that a creative sector flourishes best in societies where governments intervene with a light hand. With these incentives in place, you will build a creative sector worthy of the great capital you have planned."

Murdoch added, "By unlocking the creativity of your people, you can diversify your economy, provide millions of jobs for a rising generation and give the Arab people a global voice and influence commensurate with your importance."

"The simple fact is that if you want quality content, you need to encourage a marketplace where money flows to those who invest in and create that content," he said.

H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, "What makes this conversation - and this Summit - unique, is the fact that it is truly global. In this room today we have representatives from countries as diverse as China, Korea, India, Chile, Mexico, USA, UK and of course from throughout our Arab region. Abu Dhabi is the perfect setting for this global gathering and we are passionate about hosting it here."

Al Mazrouei added, "We are geographically situated at the centerpoint of the East and the West, at the center of an amalgamation of cultures, ideas, businesses and markets. We hope this Summit becomes a nexus point for the industry; a regular gathering of leaders, brought together by a commitment to authentic conversation and an appreciation for diverse perspectives."

Edward Borgerding, CEO, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, "This week we will be asking some very big questions: How should telco's and content companies work together in this new landscape? How will broadband, next-generation mobiles, and 3D change our business model? How can emerging markets actually emerge and succeed on a global scale? And with industry challenges that are truly global how should the East and West work together towards common solutions?"

Borgerding added, "The good news is that the room today is full of the smartest, most innovative, and creative media people in the world. People that not only have the power to change the media industry but, because of the power of the media industry, also to change the world in which we live.We are proud to host this impressive gathering."