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ABU DHABI / WAM
The UAE has adopted clear standards to promote responsible digital content that reinforces national identity and upholds ethical and social values, while embracing modern digital tools, said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum in Kuwait, where the UAE is the Guest of Honour, Al Shehhi said the country’s selection reflects its growing stature as a regional and global media hub. He attributed this to a strategic approach that integrates legislation, empowerment, investment, and innovation to build a modern media ecosystem.
This framework, he noted, supports local content and attracts global media talent, strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading media centre. Al Shehhi underlined that the UAE’s media policies and regulatory framework play a vital role in fostering a dynamic media environment that adapts to rapid developments and boosts global competitiveness. He added that the UAE Media Council has introduced a comprehensive legislative roadmap, starting with a new media law and its executive regulations, with additional policies expected to follow.
He said these initiatives reflect the UAE’s commitment to aligning media practices with international standards while preserving national identity. The new legislative framework is also designed to boost the media economy and attract both local and foreign investment through a flexible, supportive regulatory environment.
Al Shehhi highlighted the pivotal role of the UAE Media Council in nurturing Emirati talent amid fast-paced technological advancements. He pointed to specialised training programmes and workshops for media professionals and content creators, including the launch of the Media Apprenticeship Programme, in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council under “Nafis” programme. The programme aims to prepare a new generation of Emirati media professionals equipped to meet evolving industry demands. It targets recent graduates, final-year media students, and professionals seeking to enhance their media skills.
He highlighted the UAE’s belief in youth as future leaders of the media sector, underscoring the importance of building their capabilities in using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Al Shehhi also outlined the council’s development of comprehensive media content standards covering content quality, value alignment, individual rights, and age-appropriateness. These standards serve as a regulatory compass for media outlets and digital platforms. He concluded that the UAE’s participation in the forum underscores its commitment to shaping the future of media through regional and international cooperation and aligning national policies with global media trends.