‘UAE leadership a firm believer in media’s active role in supporting UAE’s sustainable development’, Abdulla Al Hamed affirms at UAE Media Council meeting in Ajman

AJMAN, 9th July, 2024 (WAM) — Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, presided over the regular meeting of the Council held in Ajman. The meeting reviewed the latest updates on the Council’s strategic projects and initiatives.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed affirmed that the legislative and regulatory achievements in the media sector aim to regulate and stimulate the growth of the sector, create a competitive media environment capable of keeping pace with the rapid changes witnessed by the media sector in the world, and draw a road map for a media that provides balanced and moderate content that speaks logic, transparency and reason, contributes to building the UAE society and accompanies it on its journey towards a bright future in line with the UAE’s achievements in all sectors.

Sheikh Abdulla stated that the UAE leadership is a firm believer in the active role of media in supporting the UAE’s comprehensive and sustainable development, highlighting the nation’s development track record and future plans to the world. This, he continued, must be delivered through distinctive media in terms of form and content, to ensure addressing global challenges and adaptive growth to keep pace with the global media scene.

The Chairman of the UAE Media Council underscored the importance of continuing to forge strategic partnerships with various media entities within the country. He commended the strategic partnership between the UAE Media Council and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) to launch the ‘Media Apprenticeship’ programme, which serves as a pioneering platform for building a new generation of national media leaders.

During the meeting, the UAE Media Council discussed the regulatory framework for multilingual media content standards. This aims to define the rules and principles for professionals working in media or publishing content across various platforms in the UAE, in line with the media content standards outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 concerning media regulation, and its executive regulations. These standards apply to content published by institutions and individuals, whether through traditional means or current and future digital platforms, and aim to preserve values and protect society, especially youth from intrusive behaviours. They strive to ensure that published media content respects the social and cultural traditions and values of the UAE community, contributing to the development of an aware and responsible generation.

These standards also seek to enhance the media’s key role in spotlighting constructive ideas and outstanding visions, encouraging talent and competencies, and delivering a professional, credible, honest media messaging and accurate information, in line with the values of the Emirati society, promoting such positive values worldwide.

The Council also discussed steps to implement the media regulation law and its executive regulations. It reviewed key developments and updates on the Council’s major initiatives during the first half of 2024, particularly targeting the attraction of young Emirati talent, enhancing local content creation, and designing training programmes that enable community members to become experts in the field, thereby strengthening the UAE’s position on the global media map.

Additionally, the Council reviewed the report on the UAE’s participation in the Gulf Radio and Television Festival in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where the UAE scooped 17 awards in various categories, and its participation in the Arab Radio and Television Festival, where the UAE secured 4 awards.

The meeting was attended by members of the UAE Media Council, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Ruler’s Court; Saeed Mohammad Al Eter, Assistant Minister for Strategic Projects at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the UAE Government Media Office; Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office (ADGMO); Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office; Nasser Muhammed Al Yamahi, Director-General of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority; Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matroushi, Secretary-General of Ajman’s Executive Council; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; and Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Strategy and Media Policy and Secretary of the UAE Media Council Board of Directors.