Blog: Day 2 of the Arab Media Forum

Keynote speakers at the 15th edition of the Arab Media Forum have called for the creation of humanitarian media in the Arab World.

Walk for Good at the Arab Media Forum has raised Dh1 million in support of Al Jalila, UAE. - Image via Dubai Press Club

Saudi YouTuber Omar Hussain talks about sustainable planning of the Arab Media Forum

Joyce Bazz from Google talks about her experience in the Arab Media Forum

Writer Sultan Al Ameemi signing his new book on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum. - Image via Dubai Press Club

UAE at the forefront of media freedom in the region

The media should highlight an accurate picture of the Arab World and its issues, according to Mona Al Merri, Director General of the Dubai Government Media Office.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Al Merri said that the forum reflects Arab culture, nature and religion and its role and humanity, and noted that the current conditions and problems of the Arab World have defamed the image of the Arab World and its values. The media, she should, needs to shed light on the positive aspect of the region and its humanitarian issues.

UAE can count on 90,000 happiness workers

The entire UAE government and all its employees are the "workforce" of the UAE's drive to increase country's level of happiness and positivity, according to Minister of State for Happiness Ohood Al Roumi.

UAE's Minister for Happiness Ohood Al Roumi at Arab Media Forum

Speaking at the Arab Media Forum at a session entitled "Happiness as we Perceive it", Al Roumi said that happiness requires "coordinated all-out efforts." "Happiness is every one's job and we are all working towards increased happiness," she said. ""Many people ask me about the size of my ministry and how much budget I have. Well, the Ministry of State for Happiness coordinates the works of the entire government to see if the initiatives and policies fall in line with the government's happiness objectives."

"In that respect, the 90,000 federal government workforce are my strengths and the Dh80 billion budget is my budget - because all of these are dedicated to increase public happiness," she added.

Quoting Aristotle, Al Roumi noted that "the purpose of politics is achieving happiness among it's citizens. The UAE Government has placed happiness at the forefront of all the activities to touch the lives of everyone living in the UAE and those visiting the country."

Press freedom an "essential element" of American foreign policy

Mark Toner, Deputy Spokesperson for the US Dept of State speaking with UAE journalists at Arab Media Forum. Image via US Embassy Abu Dhabi/Twitter

The US government considers media freedom an integral part of its diplomatic efforts, according to Mark Toner, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum, Toner noted that "without a doubt, press freedom is always going to be an essential element of US foreign policy, just like human rights are an essential element of our foreign policy."

"In all of our multilateral, and especially bilateral relationships, we are always going to address the hard issues regarding human rights, including press freedom and harassment of journalists, when we have credible allegations of that," he added.

Toner noted, however, that diplomatic efforts regarding press freedom must be balanced with "broader strategic interests."

Muslims must educate the West about Islam

It is every Muslim's responsibility to spread the right message about Islam, urged Princess Ameera Al Taweel on the second day of the 15th Arab Media Forum.

Speaking in a session titled "Inspiration for Good: Humanitarian messages," the active humanitarian and philanthropist referred to the recent negative connotation associated with the phrase 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is great) that extremists tend to scream before their acts of violence.

Keynote speakers at the 15th edition of the Arab Media Forum have called for the creation of 'humanitarian media' in the Arab World.

The program of the Arab Media Forum - Day 2

Arab Media Forum - Day 1

The Arab Media Forum 2016, which opened on Tuesday, is slated to discuss some important issues today.

The topics which would be covered on Wednesday include 'How Social Media will Influence the Future', 'US-Arab diplomacy: the way forward', 'The role of the Arabic media in the Emirates Mars Mission' and 'Dialouge of Civilizations'.

Besides the Forum will also conduct a workshop on 'Working towards sustainable development and a greener economy' on Wednesday.

Arab Media Forum speakers pitch for humanitarian media

Shaikh Mohammed was caught for a selfie at the venue of Arab Media Forum as Shaikh Hamdan, Shaikh Maktoum and other dignitaries look on. Photo by Shihab

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the first day of the Arab Media Forum, accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; other Shaikhs, dignitaries and media personalities.

Calling for a "Charter for the Arab Media' to be created, Princess Haya bint Hussein, Wife of Shaikh Mohammed, UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City, urged the Arab World to remove obstacles so media can reflect the true image of society. Presenting the keynote address, she said recent developments in the region have had a negative impact on the Arab media.

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