The Dubai Press Club (DPC) convened the UAE's media elite for the ninth edition of the Emirates Media Forum (EMF) held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The forum served as a vital platform for discourse on navigating the complexities of the contemporary global media environment.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy, participated in the forum alongside a distinguished assembly of Emirati media personalities, leaders of prominent UAE media organizations, and esteemed columnists, writers, and intellectuals. Highlighting the forum's significance, Sheikh Ahmed underscored the critical role local media plays in addressing pressing societal and economic issues. He emphasized that a robust media sector is fundamental to reflecting the aspirations of society and steering a course through the intricacies of a rapidly changing world.
This year's EMF focused on fostering meaningful dialogue on covering global shifts, aligning with the UAE's ambitions to solidify its international presence across business, investment, and tourism sectors. Sheikh Ahmed urged Emirati media to leverage their collective strengths to share the UAE's success stories of innovation and growth with a global audience. He stressed the importance of showcasing the nation's achievements and its leading position in global competitiveness indexes and technological advancements.
Sheikh Ahmed expressed his unwavering confidence in the ability of local media professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards and maintain journalistic objectivity, thereby contributing meaningfully to national development. He further emphasized the importance of engaging youth in pioneering endeavors to propel the media industry towards continued excellence.
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the DPC, steered the forum's discussions towards critical economic dialogues. She shed light on the UAE's economic diversification efforts, its burgeoning non-oil sector, and its commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy. Industry leaders and media specialists engaged in insightful deliberations on harnessing media's potential to promote these initiatives and propel the UAE's economic standing on the global stage.
The forum provided a platform for Emirati media to explore innovative strategies for content creation and audience engagement in the digital age. Discussions centered on leveraging artificial intelligence, big data, and social media trends to deliver compelling content that resonates with a global audience. Participants also explored the evolving media landscape and the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse.
The ninth edition of the Emirates Media Forum served as a testament to the DPC's unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and influential media sector within the UAE. By facilitating dialogues between prominent media figures and industry leaders, the forum equipped Emirati media with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complexities of the contemporary media landscape and contribute effectively to the UAE's ongoing growth and development.