Arab Media Forum: UAE-Israel peace agreement unlocks opportunities in Middle East

The recent UAE-Israel peace agreement and similar agreements involving other Arab states may give rise to new aspirations for the people of the Middle East.

That’s according to Pulitzer-winning American political commentator, columnist and author, Thomas Friedman.

Speaking during the 19th edition of the Arab Media Forum, he added that it can result in a shift from old ideologies and political strategies in the region.

“The UAE paved the way and created the model,” Friedman stated.

Held under the theme ‘Arab Media: The Future is Digital’, the Forum saw more than 10,000 people tune in to the sessions. The Arab Journalism Award ceremony, which honoured 11 outstanding journalists in the Arab world, was also broadcast live. 

“I think there’s a new mood in there and the UAE-Israel deal unlocked a lot of that. People on the street actually want to be part of the world. They’re tired of the old games,” Friedman added.

The US Middle East policy is likely to drift towards amplifying positive developments arising from within the region rather than resorting to intervention and regime change, he remarked.