The designation of Rabat as the Capital of Arab Media highlights Morocco’s important role in journalism, literature, and cultural dialogue in the Arab world. It reflects the city’s growing position as a space for media development and intellectual exchange.

The program was launched during SIEL 2026 through a conference on writing between journalism and literature. It aims to turn Rabat into a hub for reflection on the future of media.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Secretary General Abdelaziz El Boujdaini explained that literary writing tends toward imagination, while journalistic writing is based on accuracy and objectivity. He also highlighted the shared history between writers and journalists in Morocco.

The Minister stressed that digital media creates new challenges for both fields, and that the goal today is not to resist technology, but to use it in service of meaningful writing and human issues.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Arab Media Foum Khamis Madi stated that the Forum in coordination with the League of Arab States awards the title of Capital of Arab Media annually. He added that choosing Rabat reflects Morocco’s rich media and cultural history.

He added that this designation is not symbolic only, but part of a broader program that will include various activities and events aimed at strengthening Rabat’s position as a leading media capital in the region.