As the regional and international content industry prepares to gather in Dubai this November, the Dubai International Content Market (DICM) is adding a new opportunity for the region’s creative talent with the return of Spotlight Stories. A pitching challenge designed to discover original Arabic content ideas and connect emerging
creators with experienced industry decision-makers.
Taking place on 10-11 November at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, DICM 2026 will bring together the people shaping what audiences watch next, from producers and distributors to buyers, platforms, creators and content decision-makers from across the region and international markets.
At the centre of those conversations, Spotlight Stories will give selected creators the chance to put their projects directly in front of industry professionals who can help take them further, with one winning script receiving the opportunity to move closer to production through a collaboration with AFLAM Production.
The winning opportunity will be supported by Malek Jaber, Head of Content at AFLAM Production, giving the selected storyteller the chance to take their idea beyond the pitching stage and into a professional development and production environment. Where Stories Meet the Industry Created for MENA storytellers and Arabic-language scripted content, Spotlight Stories places emerging creative voices directly within the wider industry conversation taking place at DICM. For creators, it is a chance to pitch where the industry is already gathered. For industry professionals, it is a chance to discover the voices and projects that could shape what audiences watch next.
Following the submission and selection process, shortlisted storytellers will have the opportunity to pitch their projects live at DICM on 11 November 2026 at 10:00 AM, in front of an expert jury and an audience of industry professionals.
The selection process will be managed by Writables, with Sinan Mawad, Founder & CEO of Writables, joining the jury alongside Mishel Zreik, Television Executive and Content Specialist and Madonna Khafaja, Founder of Whitebee Media. Rather than focusing solely on exposure, Spotlight Stories is designed to create a tangible
next step for storytellers: developing an idea that has the potential to become a produced piece of content.
Where the Region’s Next Stories Enter the Market
The MENA content industry is moving fast, with new platforms, new audiences and growing demand for regional stories. DICM brings these developments, the people behind them and the opportunities they create into one place.
Through Spotlight Stories, DICM aims to identify voices with strong creative potential and give them access to the conversations, feedback and professional connections that can help transform an idea into a market-ready project. Being part of DICM means being part of the conversation as it happens, not hearing about it afterwards.
Tariq al Madani, CEO – INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions commented on this and said, “The content industry is changing rapidly. Audiences are becoming more diverse, platforms are competing for distinctive stories, and there is growing interest in content that reflects the voices and perspectives of our region. At the same time, great ideas need more than creativity to move forward; they need access to producers, buyers, distributors and the right industry partners.”
“This is where DICM plays an important role,” continued Tariq. “It brings the people behind the business of content together in Dubai, creating a place where stories can be discovered, partnerships can begin and new opportunities can take shape. Spotlight Stories takes this even further by giving emerging MENA creators the chance to put their work directly in front of the people who can help turn a strong idea into something audiences can actually watch.”
For Malek Jaber, Head of Content at AFLAM Production, the initiative is a chance to identify ideas with real potential at an early stage and help develop them. “We are delighted to be part of DICM 2026 and to support the Spotlight Stories pitching challenge, which creates a valuable platform for emerging MENA storytellers to bring their ideas into the spotlight. At AFLAM Production, we are always looking for distinctive voices and stories that
have the potential to connect with audiences both regionally and internationally. We look forward to discovering new talent through this initiative and to giving the winning script the opportunity to take an important step towards production.”
Submissions are now open
Creators and writers from the MENA region with Arabic-language scripted projects are invited to submit their work for consideration. Submissions should be sent to: info@dicm.ae More details on submission requirements and the selection process are available through DICM.
