IMI, the UAE’s leading private media group, has launched the IMI Academy in an aim to shape the region’s media landscape.
The Academy will train future journalists and content creators with a cutting-edge curriculum in media, journalism, and content creation, using the latest learning techniques.
IMI claims training and knowledge sharing have long been part of IMI’s operations, driven by the unwavering commitment of its various media entities and their training initiatives.
The media group has undergone a significant transformation under the leadership of Group CEO Rani R. Raad, who also serves as President and Operating Partner of Redbird IMI. The group claims the launch of the IMI Academy represents the latest milestone in its ongoing journey, building on a series of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding and enhancing IMI’s offerings.
The National, acquired by IMI in 2016, launched its second graduate training cohort to equip young graduates with essential journalism skills. Since April 2021, Sky News Arabia Academy, a joint venture between IMI and the UK-based Sky Group, has trained future media professionals, offering high-caliber courses to participants ranging from students to business leaders and CEOs.
“The establishment of the IMI Academy will introduce a new offering that supports the ongoing learning and development needs of our evolving industry,” said Raad.
“From the outset, our vision has been to build IMI into a global media powerhouse that enriches and empowers lives through cutting-edge media products, content, and user experiences, delivered by best-in-class journalists and professionals,” he continued.
The IMI Academy will build upon these under the leadership of Faisal bin Huraiz as its Director.
Reflecting on his new role, Bin Huraiz commented, “I am honoured by the trust placed in me to lead the IMI Academy. This role perfectly aligns with my passion for training, capacity building, and media empowerment.
Bin Huraiz also explained the necessity of the IMI Academy to journalists in the region. “In today’s era of storytelling, owning and effectively conveying your narrative is crucial—if you do not tell your story, someone else will,” he said.
Bin Huraiz first joined Sky News Arabia as a key member of its launch team and has been one of the channel’s leading anchors since 2012, conducting interviews with high-profile political figures such as UAE Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
“The experiences I’ve gained at Sky News Arabia, both in the newsroom and on the field, has deepened my commitment to advancing media training in our region. My goal is to enhance professionalism and empower every speaker and decision-maker to communicate their message effectively,” Bin Huraiz said.
Bin Huraiz’s passion for advancing media training is rooted in his extensive experience, which he now aims to channel into shaping the next generation of media professionals. Building on this vision, he expressed his excitement to collaborate with his team to deliver tailored, impactful programs.
“I look forward to working with our experienced team to build on their excellent work and deliver innovative, impactful programmes tailored to the needs of individuals, institutions, and governments, while upholding the highest professional and ethical standards,” he said.
In addition to his role in the newsroom, Bin Huraiz has garnered extensive expertise as a trainer, coach, and certified mentor over the past 17 years, training more than 3,000 individuals, including top-level executives, government officials, students, and graduates.
“I am delighted to welcome Faisal Bin Huraiz to this new role, which he will take on alongside his position as a presenter at Sky News Arabia. Faisal is an exemplary Emirati talent and one of the region’s most highly certified professionals in media training,” said Raad, sharing his confidence in the appointment of Bin Huraiz to lead the IMI Academy.
“Faisal has been instrumental in the success of the Sky News Arabia Academy since its inception. In his new role, the IMI Academy will benefit not only from his expertise at Sky News Arabia but also from the strengths of The National, CNN Business Arabic, and Al Ain News. I am confident that he will lead the IMI Academy to become the region’s foremost media training hub,” Raad said.
Under Bin Huraiz’s leadership, the Academy plans to offer world-class training programs with modern curriculums, advanced teaching methods, and AI tools. IMI claims all of its Academy’s courses will meet global standards for professionalism.
