UAE Takes Seat on Executive Office of Arab Information Ministers

The UAE has officially joined the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Information Ministers during a session held at the League of Arab States in Cairo. This milestone underscores the UAE’s proactive role in enhancing cooperation among Arab media and shaping vital policies across the region.

Led by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, the UAE delegation participated in the 55th ordinary session of the Council. The session also welcomed Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, along with representatives from various member states.

Al Hamed expressed that the UAE’s election to the Council represents the trust of Arab nations in its media capabilities. He emphasized the nation's ongoing work to enhance content quality, nurture talent, and embrace digital advancements to foster a more dynamic Arab media landscape.

In his speech, Al Hamed delivered salutations from UAE leadership and acknowledged the essential role of Arab media in fostering awareness, promoting core values, and responding to both regional and global changes. He pointed out that the responsibilities of the media extend beyond mere reporting; they also include driving development, fostering social cohesion, and preserving cultural identity.

He highlighted the significance of the Arab Media Code of Honour, which serves as an ethical and professional guideline. This Code underscores the commitment to truthfulness, fairness, and human dignity while directing media entities towards responsible content creation. Recent updates to the Code reaffirm the necessity for Arab media to advocate for stability and collective unity instead of sowing division.

Additionally, Al Hamed discussed the increasing significance of digital media, which has emerged as a dominant platform for shaping public perception and crossing geographical boundaries. He called for a cohesive Arab outlook that harmonizes freedom of expression with accountable content, combating misinformation, and enhancing the global competitive presence of Arab media.

He also acknowledged the vital function of the Arab Electronic Media Committee in consolidating expertise to craft proactive strategies that tackle digital media challenges and optimize enduring benefits. Al Hamed emphasized the media's role in countering terrorism, noting that addressing extremist narratives demands a unified and collaborative approach, along with advanced technological tools.

On the topic of capacity building, Al Hamed stressed the importance of training media professionals, asserting that excellence depends on skills in research, investigation, and content production. He advocated for joint initiatives, strengthened institutional partnerships, and clear performance metrics to cultivate a proficient and accountable Arab media workforce.

Regarding technological advancements, Al Hamed remarked that while artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance media operations, human insight and judgment are irreplaceable. He underscored the importance of utilizing technology responsibly, assuring transparency, privacy, and ethical integrity.

The UAE delegation also included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt; and Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policy Sector.

The 55th session addressed topical issues such as the Palestinian cause, Arab Media Action Plans overseas, environmental journalism, professional development, media literacy in educational institutions, strategic collaborations with global media firms, and the implementation of new technologies and AI.

The UAE’s role in the Executive Office reaffirms its leadership in shaping Arab media, promoting ethical standards, and accelerating digital progress across the region.