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UAE Desk
Dubai Media Launches New Cohort of Media Pioneer Program on September 19, Eight-Week Initiative Developing Emirati Journalists Through Hands-On Newsroom Experience
Sources: GCC Business News, Emirates 24|7, MSN. Announcement made September 19, 2026. Program details confirmed across outlets.
Dubai Media launched a new cohort of its Media Pioneer Program on September 19, focusing on developing Emirati journalists and strengthening national media talent. The eight-week program combines structured learning with hands-on newsroom experience, allowing participants to work alongside editorial teams and gain practical insight into every stage of the journalistic process, from news gathering, interviewing, and research to fact-checking, digital storytelling, and multimedia content production. Building on the success of the program's first edition, which focused on developing Emirati photographers, this year's cohort is designed to prepare aspiring Emirati journalists through an immersive newsroom experience within Al Bayan and Emarat Al Youm. Salem Belyouha, Chief of Media Content at Dubai Media, said the Media Pioneer Program reflects Dubai Media's belief that investing in people is the foundation of building a sustainable and influential media industry, adding that outstanding content begins with talented professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, and passion to tell meaningful stories. Through this program, Dubai Media provides Emirati talent with an authentic newsroom experience, allowing them to learn directly from experienced journalists and develop the practical capabilities required for today's rapidly evolving media landscape. Upon completing the eight-week program, participants will undergo a comprehensive professional assessment to evaluate their performance, readiness, and potential to work within a professional newsroom environment. The program also serves as a strategic talent pipeline for Dubai Media's newsrooms.