Meta is taking over Abu Dhabi’s next big media summit — here’s what that means

Meta will bring workshops, AR/VR demos and platforms to BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi on 8–10 December, aiming to create new opportunities for creators and media professionals in the UAE and beyond.

Abbas Jaffar Ali
By
Abbas Jaffar Ali
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN...
4 Min Read
Meta is taking over Abu Dhabi’s next big media summit — here’s what that means
TL;DR
  • BRIDGE Summit 2025 runs 8–10 December in Abu Dhabi with 60k+ attendees expected.  
  • Meta will provide talks, workshops and AR/VR activations aimed at creators and media pros.  
  • The UAE is positioning the creative economy as a growth pillar, backed by policy and investment.  

BRIDGE Summit 2025 has signed a partnership with Meta ahead of its first edition in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December. Meta will run thought-leadership sessions, hands-on workshops and multi-platform activations. The aim is simple: give creators and media pros new tools, visibility and contacts across Meta’s platforms. The organisers expect over 60,000 participants and 400 speakers across seven tracks.

What’s BRIDGE Summit 2025 bringing to Abu Dhabi

A quick overview of the scale and focus.

  • Dates: 8–10 December 2025, Abu Dhabi
  • Audience: 60,000+ participants, 400 speakers, 300 activities
  • Tracks: seven themed content streams
  • Mission: connect skills, platforms and markets across the “content economy”

The summit is pitched as a global launch platform for media, content and entertainment. Sessions span everything from production and monetisation to platform strategy and audience growth. Expect a heavy UAE lens on investment, policy and talent pipelines.  

What Meta will actually do

Not just logos on banners. Deliverables.

  • Thought leadership: talks on platform trends and the future of digital content
  • Workshops: practical sessions on tools, analytics and audience growth
  • Activations: AR/VR demos and interactive experiences on site

Meta’s role is hands-on. The plan includes immersive learning experiences using AR and VR, plus sessions on behavioural data and interaction design. The goal is to help creators understand new media tools and how to scale content with less guesswork.  

Why this matters for the UAE’s creator economy

Policy meets platforms.

  • Government priority: creative economy framed as a pillar of national growth
  • Ecosystem: incentives and incubators to turn ideas into companies
  • Outcome: stronger pipelines for talent, investors and cross-border collaboration

The release frames the creative sector as strategic infrastructure for the UAE. That means friendlier regulation, investment pathways and international partnerships designed to make Abu Dhabi a long-term hub for media and content businesses, not just a three-day talking shop.  

Who said what

Signals from both sides.

  • BRIDGE leadership: emphasises the creative economy’s role in quality of life, jobs and national competitiveness
  • Meta: “building the future of human connection,” with a focus on enabling creators to reach new audiences and build communities
  • Delegations: senior policy and partnerships leads from the UAE and Meta attended the Dubai HQ meeting

These quotes are doing the usual diplomatic dance, but the intent is clear: BRIDGE wants to convene the global content industry; Meta wants creators in the region using its latest tools, formats and analytics with more support and visibility.      

How to attend from the UAE

Useful bits for readers.

If you work in content, media, agencies or policy in the UAE, this is an easy calendar add. Creators get platform face-time; brands get a dense week of meetings; students and startups get a crash course in where the industry is headed.  


What is BRIDGE Summit 2025?

A new media, content and entertainment gathering debuting in Abu Dhabi, aiming to connect creators, platforms and investors.  

When and where is it happening?

8–10 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi.  

What will Meta do at the summit?

Run thought-leadership sessions, workshops and multi-platform activations, including AR/VR-based learning.  

Why is this important for the UAE?

It aligns with national plans to grow the creative economy and attract global talent and investment.  

How do I register?

Sign up on the official website mentioned by the organisers.  

Share This Article
Abbas has been covering tech for more than two decades- before phones became smart or clouds stored data. He brought publications like CNET, TechRadar and IGN to the Middle East. From computers to mobile phones and watches, Abbas is always interested in tech that is smarter and smaller.