MENA Power List 2026: Dubai Media's Mohamed Sulaiman AlMulla.
Dubai Media's CEO argues that Arab media should own and export its own intellectual property instead of remaining mainly a market for global IP.
By Campaign Middle East · Oct 9, 2026
Mohamed Sulaiman AlMulla, CEO of Dubai Media, makes the case in his MENA Power List 2026 essay that Arab media should own and export its own intellectual property, rather than remain mainly a market for global IP.
He measures success by sustainable creative careers and by reinvestment, not only by reach. In his account, the past two years at Dubai Media brought the launch of the Dubai+ digital platform, more than 20 partnerships with government and industry bodies, and the Al Bayan Economic Centre.
Dubai Studios and the Dubai Media Academy are where the bet on local talent gets made. Emirates has since launched a Dubai+ channel on its ice inflight entertainment system. AI runs through Media X, with a stated emphasis on keeping human judgement and cultural authenticity in charge.
The profile matters for agencies and producers in the region. If platforms start commissioning Arab IP at scale, the production economy follows.