Deadline: 30 June 2025
Are you passionate about storytelling? 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.
In the first two weeks, participants deepen their understanding of newsroom essentials—Ethics in Journalism, the Art of Storytelling, Breaking News Coverage, and more—building on the foundational courses they’ve completed on the CNN Academy Hub e-learning platform.
The program culminates in their fourth annual Newsroom Simulation at Yas Creative Hub. Over six intensive days, global participants collaborate with top CNN reporters to master impactful storytelling amid a global health crisis.
Divided into competitive teams, they pitch, investigate, and produce a breaking-news package set in a fictional country—putting theory into practice under real-world newsroom pressure.
Course Structure
- September 15th – 19th
- Introduction & Orientation In-Person at Creative Lab, Yas Island Abu Dhabi
- CNNA 5th Year Launch with 2021-2024 Alumni graduates and special guests
- The Art of Storytelling
- Art of the Pitch
- Ethics of Journalism
- Digital Storytelling & Writing for Digital Audiences
- Headline Writing Exercise
- Permits & Filming Permission with Abu Dhabi Film Commission
- Writing for TV News
- Youth Engagement Opportunities with Talent Management Department of Creative Media Authority
- Creating a TV Package
- Scriptwriting Exercises
- Pitch Sessions with Mentors
- October 6th – 10th
- Mobile Storytelling and Assignment
- Mobile Storytelling
- Shoot Stories on Location
- Edit Stories
- Show Production Session
- Watch and Review Stories
- The Art of Anchoring
- Rundown Exercise with CNN Producers
- Career Fair Event
Eligibility Criteria
- CNN Academy Abu Dhabi is open to UAE nationals and residents over the age of 17 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.
- 4th year undergraduate students
- Fresh graduates from 2023/2024
- Interest in learning about community storytelling
- Availability to attend in-person training sessions in Abu Dhabi (15th – 19th September and 6th – 10th October 2025) and CNN Academy Health Storytelling Simulation (17th – 22nd November 2025)
For more information, visit Cable News Network.
