Day: October 4, 2022

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, presided a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arab Media Award (AMA) following the ceremony to felicitate the winners of the award’s 21st edition held during Day 1 of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) in Dubai.

The Award, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was attended by thousands of professionals and leaders from Arab and international media organisations. Khalid bin Hamad Al-Malik, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi daily Al-Jazirah, President of the Saudi Journalists Association, and President of the Gulf Press Union, was named the Media Personality of the Year.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the AMA’s Board of Directors and praised the successful organisation of the event. His Highness underscored the need to build on the success of the Award and its impact on the Arab media since its inception by adhering to the values of transparency, integrity and impartiality.

“Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s approach to excellence has set Dubai on a path to leadership and highlighted its role in creating a better future for the region and the world. The Arab Media Award is an embodiment of the vision of the wise leadership that recognises the importance of creating a robust media sector that serves the community and contributes to its progress,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed.

The Chairman of the Dubai Media Council also highlighted Dubai’s keenness to boost cooperation with top Arab and international media institutions to further develop the Arab media sector and assist it in overcoming challenges.

“The Arab Media Award plays an important role in promoting creativity and encouraging media professionals to push the boundaries of excellence,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of establishing partnerships with international media institutions to achieve success through sharing knowledge, tools, visions and ideas.

An Inspiring Vision.

Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AMA, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Patron of the Award, underlining His Highness’ vision as a source of inspiration and motivation to seek further development and success of the media sector. Rashwan commended the evolution of the AMF and the AMA over the past two decades as the Arab world’s most influential media events.

He noted that the success of the AMA is testament to its ability to keep pace with the latest trends and developments in the media sector and inspire media professionals to excel.

Mona Al Marri, President of the Dubai Press Club and Secretary General of the AMA, affirmed the commitment of the AMA General Secretariat to build on the Award’s success, which was founded on trust, integrity and credibility.

“We are committed to continuing the Award’s mission to foster the highest excellence in all streams of Arab media. The Award has kept pace with developments over the years and maintained a clear vision of attaining excellence. The AMA has acted as a catalyst for creativity in the Arab media sector,” Al Marri said.

The meeting reviewed the objectives for the next edition of the AMA and the action plan for broader communication with more Arab media institutions across the region.

The AMA comprises three categories: Journalism, Digital Media, and TV. The Journalism category includes awards for Political Journalism, Investigative Reporting, Economic Journalism, Children’s Media, and Best Column. The TV category includes awards for Best Economic Programme, Best Social Programme, Best Cultural Programme, Best Sports Programme, and Best Documentary. The Digital Media category comprises awards for the Best News Platform, Best Economic Platform, and Best Sports Platform.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Council, today attended the official opening of the milestone 20th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF), taking place at Madinat Jumeirah from 4-5 October.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, and Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, also attended the opening.

Sheikh Ahmed attended a session titled “Arab Media: Transformation and Impact” featuring Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Bahrain’s Minister of Information Affairs, and Karam Gabr, President of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Media Regulation.

The session explored various dimensions of the regional media landscape and key drivers of its development.

During the session, moderated by Asharq News anchor Zeina Yazigi, panelists discussed the impact of technological developments on media and the importance of enhancing constructive partnerships between the media and other sectors. The session also touched on growth opportunities emerging from the metaverse and other Artificial Intelligence technologies.

Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of having a unified media strategy that encompasses three key elements – providing a robust infrastructure that supports the latest media technologies, creating a conducive environment for the development of talent and professional standards, and preserving and promoting national cultural identities.

He stressed the need for media institutions in the Arab world to work together to develop a unified strategy to face challenges and leverage opportunities. He expressed optimism that media in the region will have a bright future, especially with its wealth of young talent. The Minister also stressed that Arab media should adopt a discourse that promotes unity and cooperation instead of division.

Echoing these views, Karam Gabr said a unified media strategy will help the Arab world combat social media content that goes against the ethical values of people in the region. This is particularly critical since the region has a few unregulated platforms that significantly impact public opinion, he said. The President of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation in Egypt said content must be able to keep pace with the speed of technological development without compromising on national values.

Earlier during the opening session, Mona Al Marri, President of Dubai Press Club (DPC) and Chairperson of AMF’s Organising Committee, delivered the event’s welcome note.

Al Marri said that since its inception in 2001 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Media Forum continues to provide a platform to discuss the impact of major regional and global trends and transformations. The Forum has supported Arab media in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving global media landscape and addressing opportunities and challenges impacting the sector.

The President of DPC said the 20th edition of the event “celebrates the vision of His Highness, a great leader who was always keen to recognise excellence in the media by establishing a platform for discussing ideas and exchanging expertise.”

Highlighting the impact of global ‘storms of change’ that have had an impact on the region, she added, “Amid political, economic and social changes, these challenges have greatly affected growth opportunities across the world and our region.”

Al Marri noted that the region still lacks a clear media strategy for combating challenges facing the sector. “Arab media also lacks a plan to develop young media talent who can lead the transition from traditional to new media.”

Al Marri invited all AMF 2022 participants to work together to accelerate the sector’s development and create content that reflects the values and aspirations of the region’s people, in order to regain their trust.

Source: Emirates News Agency