Dubai - Confront lies and challenges facing region, Mohammed tells media.
Published: Wed 4 Nov 2015, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Thu 5 Nov 2015, 6:00 PM
Nothing is more truthful in media than confronting lies, according to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Mohammed, while addressing the local media outlets at the third Emirati Media Forum on Wednesday, underlined the importance of media in creating the present and future of the region and driving motivations and energies. He also said the media is important in supporting creators, innovators and hope makers.
The Emirati Media Forum, under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed, was organised by the Dubai Press Club at the World Trade Centre on Wednesday, and was attended by several senior officials, editors-in-chief of local newspapers, academicians, writers and journalists.
Shaikh Mohammed pointed out the significance of the media in confronting the challenges the region is facing at present, and reiterated the stand of the UAE in Yemen, saying that the UAE will continue to support the aggrieved and extend aid to the needy in every nook and corner of the earth.
He said: "Enjoy, as we have always used to, with professionalism and credibility for they are the basis of the media work, which we want in our society, and we will extend you all support.
"Our doors are always open, and means of communication with you and all segments of the society are available for everybody," he said, adding, "I personally follow up what the media disseminate of issues that touch upon the people."
"Nothing is more truthful than confronting the lies, and the UAE led by its valiant heroes will remain supporting the legitimacy and defending the oppressed under the banner of right and justice," he noted.
"Our youth are good, and will not hesitate in defending the gains of our country and achievements," he added.
Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs; and Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of the National Media Council (NMC); were also present at the forum.
During his tour to the forum, Shaikh Mohammed stopped at workshops, organised for the first time at the forum, and the media centre set up to provide full support to journalists covering the annual event.
He also visited the stand of DP World, the strategic partner of the forum, and launched 'Al3aen', a new Arabic language news portal and newspaper based in Abu Dhabi.
Positive media, positive people
Delivering the keynote address of the forum, Lt. Gen Shaikh Saif said that positive citizenship requires positive media that champions the country in all circumstances based on credibility and responsible transparency.
He also demanded that all Emiratis have a sense of national and social responsibility when transmitting, carrying or sharing ideas through various media. Shaikh Saif expressed his pride in the UAE Armed Forces taking part in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition's war in Yemen and said they are making steady progress in defending the region and the right of its peoples to dignified life while protecting the achievements made by the UAE, including openness, freedom of expression and media freedom.
The UAE deputy prime minister also hailed local media organisations for covering the funerals of the UAE Armed Forces' martyred servicemen and showing their families' high sense of national responsibility and belonging while the injured servicemen showed courage and patriotism.
In her speech at the forum, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, director-general of Dubai Government Media Office and chair of Dubai Press Club, noted that the exceptional developments in the region have produced great challenges.
She noted that the UAE declared its firm backing for victims of injustice and the Yemeni people's defence of their country where Emiratis sacrificed their lives to defend what is just and right.
She underscored the importance of standarising local media discourse based on the forum's focus on the need for a media agenda that is nationally responsible.
The forum, Al Marri noted, reflects solidarity between the leadership and people of the UAE. - Wam
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