Creative Media Authority’s 5th CNN Academy Abu Dhabi empowers emerging journalists and storytellers

The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has concluded the fifth edition of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, which welcomed a group of emerging journalists and storytellers to three weeks of intensive training in production, digital storytelling and multiplatform reporting.

To support the transition from training to real professional practice, the 2025 edition introduced the academy’s first job fair. The fair brought together participants from the current edition alongside alumni from previous years, enabling direct engagement with recruitment leaders, creative industry partners and major media organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to conduct preliminary interviews for future roles, explore internship opportunities and connect with employers. Participating partners included MarketingEnds, Factor31, Edelman, Brunswick, Frontier25, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Starzplay, and Forbes Middle East.

The fifth edition featured a series of professional training sessions and intensive workshops delivered by CNN anchors, correspondents and technical specialists, along with distinguished pioneers, leaders and experts in climate action, global health, youth empowerment and immersive digital storytelling. The sessions welcomed Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of Frontier25; His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of Youth; Dr Paul Spiegel, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health; Mamadou Sow, ICRC Regional Head for the GCC; Hannah Cockburn-Logie, Deputy Director of Communications at the Gates Foundation; and Amir Berenjian, CEO of REM5 Studios

The fifth edition attracted students from leading universities in the UAE, Europe, Asia and the US. Participants included students from Abu Dhabi University, Al Ain University and the Higher Colleges of Technology, which granted official academic credit to its students participating in CNN Academy. Zayed University will also award a special certificate this year to its CNN Academy students.

Students also joined from CNN Academy Erbil, University College Dublin, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University in Qatar. International participants travelled to Abu Dhabi to attend Simulation Week, underscoring the capital’s growing status as a global destination for talent development.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of the Creative Media Authority, said: “The fifth edition of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi reaffirms the importance of strategic partnerships in empowering young talent and enhancing their capabilities. The Academy has become a leading platform for aspiring media professionals seeking to develop their skills and explore the creative industries. As we conclude this edition, we renew our commitment to broadening opportunities for emerging storytellers and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre of creative excellence.”

Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi and anchor of Connect the World with Becky Anderson, said: “Since our first CNN Academy, every year has offered something completely unique for our cohorts, while also building on everything we’ve learned ourselves. Literally hundreds of our graduates are now out there in the world putting the lessons they’ve learned here into practice. This programme has made a tangible contribution not only to their education and their future careers, but also to elevating professional journalism through the teaching of principles and skills that are so important right now. All of that is a source of immense pride for everyone involved in CNN Academy.”

This year’s theme, Community Storytelling, aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community and encouraged students to explore how storytelling shapes public awareness, strengthens social cohesion and documents lived experience. Participants examined the impact of narrative through interviews, field reporting, written features and newsroom simulations.

CNN Academy Abu Dhabi continues to provide opportunities for talent to enter the creative media sector. Graduates secure full-time and part-time employment, contribute to specific creative projects and participate in internships with leading organisations including CNN Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Media Office, twofour54, Bidaya Media and the Creative Media Authority. They also take part in major local, regional and international screen productions, forming a growing base of skilled talent that supports Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s creative and media ecosystem.