Are you passionate about storytelling? Do you want to learn how CNN gathers and verifies news? Do you want to experience how a fast-paced, global newsroom operates? Would you like the chance to put your journalism skills to the test in a unique newsgathering & storytelling simulation?
Then CNN Academy Abu Dhabi is for you.
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi empowers UAE nationals and residents with storytelling skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi is open to UAE nationals and residents over the age of 21 who have a background and/or interest in media and multiplatform storytelling.
CNN Academy Abu Dhabi is tuition-free. However, participants need to ensure they can attend workshops and training sessions throughout the program.
The program will be delivered in English, so English proficiency is key.
Through in-person workshops and online webinar sessions with senior CNN journalists, production specialists and established content creators within the Abu Dhabi ecosystem with the support of Creative Media Authority, participants will learn how CNN gathers information, verifies sources, and produces content for its multiple platforms.
During the first week of CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, participants will complete core courses on topics such as Ethics in Journalism, the Art of Storytelling, Breaking News Coverage etc. Participants will be given the chance to put these skills into practice during the second week.
The program will culminate in an industry-leading newsroom simulation that brings together CNN Academy participants from around the world for an intensive week of training at the Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi.
This year’s CNN Academy Simulation will focus on health reporting.
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During the final week of the program, participants will attend the CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation at the Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi.
Across seven days participants will attend talks and workshops and crucially learn from top CNN journalists what it takes to effectively engage audiences.
Participants will be given a chance to put theory into practice, taking part in an intensive, competitive challenge. Investigate and report on a breaking news story in a fictional country, exploring the challenges and opportunities created by advancements in artificial intelligence.
The Simulation week has been an extraordinary experience; we had to face major challenges and we were totally immersed in the problems and issues – just as a journalist could encounter in the real world.
I was a volunteer for CNN Academy Simulation Week in 2022 and then in 2023 I was a participant – I was able to see two different perspectives – one from “behind the scenes” and the other being in the field. Both perspectives and experiences were amazing and both offered me learnings and challenges, however, as a participant and getting the opportunity to produce a piece and edit, it opened my eyes to so many things. It’s an experience I would never forget, a once in a lifetime opportunity!
One of the most beautiful experiences and impactful memories I have had is from CNN Academy Simulation Week. I was the only Emirati in my group and although my teammates came from different cultural backgrounds, we all invested in these differences to create a shared success as a team and work together with one team spirit. This reflects the United Arab Emirates’ direction as a country of tolerance and cultural coexistence.
Creative Media Authority (CMA) is the champion of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant creative sector, with a mandate to develop and empower a sustainable, collaborative and multidisciplinary industry across the emirate. The authority brings together Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem of organizations in sectors such as film and TV production, and digital content.
Creative Media Authority implements an agile, transparent regulatory framework that streamlines processes, enables the private sector, and delivers initiatives and policies that accelerate growth in the industry. By harnessing synergies across the whole sector, it works to develop the best facilities, the best talent and the best opportunities in Abu Dhabi.
CMA oversees established creative organizations including Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, as well as training and development initiatives such as Creative Lab and Arab Film Studio.
