UAE media fraternity hails launch of new ‘apprenticeship programme’

Abu Dhabi / WAM

The media fraternity in the UAE has welcomed the UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme, UAEMAP, launched by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court.
The initiative, announced on Saturday by the Education Affairs Office at the Court, aims to support young Emirati graduates with degrees in traditional and new media
specialisations. It celebrates the legacy and values of
the founding father of the
UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan
Mohammed Jalal Al Raisi, Executive Director of Emirates News Agency (WAM) hailed
the programme as a national mission that deals with the present, with an outlook to
the future.
“This initiative will no doubt contribute to building future generations of outstanding media workers, in a way that meets the country’s vision
for 2030 and realises our wise leadership’s aspirations,”
he said.
Lauding the UAE leadership for various youth-centric schemes, Al Raisi said the programme will further develop the national media sector and provide it with qualified national capabilities to reflect the bright image of the UAE
in all areas.
“The UAE, under the prudent leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is keen on continuing its approach of investing in human capital as a key element for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development,” he stated.
He revealed that the UAEMAP will collaborate with leading regional and international partners in offering media-based specialisations, using the latest technology in the field. This will enable national media workers to deliver the message of the UAE, to reflect the progress witnessed in the country in all fields, and to promote the country’s rich heritage that is founded on tolerance.
“The launch of the UAEMAP is an important step that will pave the way for the development of the national media and its mission,” he added.
Habib Al Sayegh, Editor-in-Chief of Al Khaleej newspaper, said the UAE leadership is keen on supporting the national media sector and developing its capabilities. He referred to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s continuous support to the Emirati youth.
“In today’s world, media is no longer a luxury. The national media has to follow all political, economic and social developments and this requires preparing generations of young talents in the sector,” he added.
Abdullah Al Rasheed, Abu Dhabi Editor of Gulf News, said the launch of UAEMAP has brought joy to all Emiratis working in the media. He expressed his gratitude to the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court for such an important initiative that will help prepare national media students to join the job market.
Ali Al Amoudi said the launch of the initiative to coincide with the announcement of 2018 as the “Year of Zayed,” carries a message of loyalty and gratitude to the founding father, who believed that the country’s most precious asset is its people.
Raed Barqawi, Executive Editor of Al Khaleej, said the UAEMAP will provide plenty of training opportunities to the youth of the UAE in the fields of media. “It will also be an incentive for the youth to consider specialising in media as they plan their future career paths,” he added.