iQIYI and BRIDGE Alliance Forge Media-Tech Ecosystem at Abu Dhabi Summit

Editorial Team

Last updated 23-12-2025

3 min

iQIYI and UAE's BRIDGE Alliance signed an MoU to form a media-technology ecosystem.

The partnership aims to foster global collaboration and cultural exchange between Asia and MENA.

Both organisations focus on end-to-end collaboration from research to practical application.

The alliance intends to strengthen cultural dialogue and create a globally connected media landscape.

The success depends on translating ambitious goals into actionable platforms and products.

iQIYI’s new collaboration with the UAE’s BRIDGE Alliance has been turning heads this week, especially after the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Watching big media players shake hands in this region isn’t exactly rare these days, but this one feels a bit different. Maybe it’s because both sides are openly aiming to build what they describe as a full media‑technology ecosystem, which—if they pull it off—could reshape how content is produced and shared between Asia and the MENA region.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of the BRIDGE Alliance, and Xianghua Yang, who heads iQIYI’s Movie & Overseas Business Group. After the formalities, the two organisations reportedly sat down for deeper discussions on where the partnership might head next. And believe it or not, they seem pretty aligned on the big picture: global collaboration, cultural exchange, and a fair bit of tech innovation.

iQIYI, for those who don’t follow China’s media scene closely, has built its reputation on long‑form content, strong R&D, and a business model that blends subscription, advertising and fan‑driven extras. The BRIDGE Alliance, on the other hand, has carved out its mission around inclusivity and impact across the media and entertainment industries, acting almost like a connective tissue for partners who want to test or launch new ideas in the UAE. I remember chatting with a founder at a past Arageek meetup who said working with cross‑border partners can be “a bit of a faff” at first, but once the bridges are built, the opportunities tend to multiply.

The mood around this deal is clearly optimistic. Dr. Al Kaabi welcomed iQIYI into the alliance, noting its strengths in content and advanced tech. Yang echoed that energy, saying the partnership helps strengthen iQIYI’s ties with the MENA region while opening the door to fresh entertainment experiences. Spot on, if you ask me. I reckon the real test will be whether they can move from nice‑sounding frameworks to actual products or platforms people use.

What’s particularly interesting is that both sides are framing this as a full‑cycle collaboration—from early research and development right down to practical application. On the flip side, big ambitions like this often take years to materialise, and well… I mean, the media world isn’t exactly known for its patience. Still, it’s hard not to be a little chuffed to bits seeing another major link formed between the Gulf and East Asia, especially in a sector where culture and technology meet so tightly.

According to the public information shared about the summit, the partnership is expected to support innovation, strengthen cultural dialogue, and help create a more globally connected media landscape. As someone who’s spent years watching startups across the region hustling for visibility, that idea of a shared ecosystem hits close to home—even if it sounds a tad idealistic on paper. If this collaboration delivers even half of what’s promised, it could definately set a new benchmark for how media hubs work with global platforms.

For now, all eyes will be on how iQIYI and the BRIDGE Alliance turn this MoU into something concrete. And if history is any guide, Abu Dhabi won’t be shy about pushing for momentum.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!