Journalists and media figures are set to gather in Dubai on Saturday for the fifth Emirati Media Forum. The one-day conference, organised by Dubai Press Club under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, will discuss the impact of recent global developments on the media and the future of the industry. UAE media bosses, senior writers and academics will be in attendance. Mona Al Marri, president of the Dubai Press Club, said the UAE's media has gone through several stages of development. “Support for the media’s growth is based on a strong belief in the fundamental role the sector plays in national development,” said Ms Al Marri. To maximise the media's potential, she said, institutions should make an effort to enhance their contribution to the community. “Through the Emirati Media Forum, we seek to promote dialogue on the reality of local media and discuss various perspectives on enhancing the sector," she said. The future of local media, its ability to compete regionally and internationally, the country's current media strategy, the challenges facing the industry over the next few years and the importance of staying abreast of the latest technologies will all be covered on Saturday. The impact of social media influencers and content produced on social media networks will also be discussed.