British broadcaster and media personality Piers Morgan has lauded the vision and ambition of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, describing Dubai’s rapid evolution as “contagious” and a model the world should emulate. Morgan made these remarks during a keynote session at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, where he was interviewed by Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief of The National.
Morgan recalled the construction of the Burj Khalifa, noting that when the tower was only 40 percent complete, Sheikh Mohammed insisted it be made the tallest in the world. “That’s the level of ambition the rest of the world needs. Be bigger, better and higher in everything we do,” Morgan said, praising the bold, transformative vision that has turned Dubai into a global hub.
The session also addressed Morgan’s approach to journalism and controversy, with the broadcaster emphasizing his commitment to truth over taking sides, especially in coverage of sensitive issues like the Gaza conflict. “My job is not to take sides, it’s to stand with ‘The Truth’; not your truth or my truth, but ‘The Truth’,” Morgan stated, noting that his viral debate with comedian Bassem Youssef viewed over 22 million times—demonstrated the world’s attention to the region.
Morgan warned of the dangers of misinformation and the erosion of free speech, referencing a recent UK case where a woman was jailed over a now-deleted social media post. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between free speech and fake news, declaring, “Facts are sacred. Agree on the facts; then debate your opinions.” He also highlighted the shift in news consumption habits, observing that younger generations now get their news from platforms like TikTok and X, rather than traditional media.
On controversy, Morgan was candid: “I love controversy! It makes people watch me. But never on false promises. I am the voice of common sense. That’s what most people relate to.” He cautioned against overestimating the influence of social media noise, noting that only a small fraction of users actually drive most of the debate online.
As the summit concluded, Morgan and Al-Oraibi both underscored the enduring importance of responsible journalism and real ambition in shaping informed, forward-looking societies. Morgan’s remarks reinforced Dubai’s image as a beacon of innovation and ambition, driven by Sheikh Mohammed’s visionary leadership.