Emirati Media Forum Discusses Role Of Media In Times Of Crisis

A session, entitled, “The Role of Emirati Media in Times of Crisis,” which was held as part of the 6th edition of the Emirati Media Forum (EMF) in Dubai, discussed the key role played by the Emirati media in times of crisis and its ability to adapt to political, economic, social and health transformations taking place around the world.

The session, held at the Dubai Press Club (DPC), was moderated by Reem Saif Al Mamari, TV hostess from the Sharjah Media Corporation, as well as journalist Majid Al Farisi, Sky News Arabia, with the attendance of prominent Emirati media figures, local newspapers editors-in-chief, leading writers, scholars and specialists.

The session presented a practical assessment of how the Emirati media has addressed global crises in recent years, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On how he sees the role of the Emirati media in times of crisis, Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM)), said that the Emirati media has successfully addressed the pandemic with professionalism, credibility, transparency and impartiality.

“During the pandemic, we have seen significant cooperation between traditional and new media platforms,” Al Rayssi said, calling for ensuring the Emirati media, over the next 50 year, would be powerful enough to deliver further progress, prosperity, and preparedness for a brighter future.

He commended the media’s role for boosting awareness about the coronavirus, highlighting in this regard the successful role played by the periodic government media briefing in spreading reliable information, underscoring the country’s efforts to address and manage the crisis and highlighting the cooperation between national authorities and institutions.

Al Rayssi noted the role played by WAM’s editorial teams, reporters and various platforms, in conveying, to the public, accurate messages and information about the pandemic and other key issues in 19 languages.

“It’s become increasingly important for the Emirati media to keep pace with local and international academic research and studies,” he said, calling for supporting all national institutions that have spared no effort, and will continue to do so, in addressing the crisis in a way that will eventually help overcome the global crisis.

Concluding, Al Rayssi cited the international recognitions of UAE’s successful efforts to address the pandemic thanks to the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.

Key media figures, heads of UAE media institutions, editors-in-chief of local newspapers and prominent writers, editorial managers, thinkers, intellectuals and academics participated in the one-day Forum held at the Dubai Press Club on Wednesday night. As part of the priority given to safety, the event was held in compliance with precautionary measures outlined by authorities.

The Emirati Media Forum is a platform for dialogue between key media players. It provides an opportunity to discuss developments in the media industry as well as local and regional issues, while providing channels of communication between local media organisations, journalists, experts and specialists in various media fields. It seeks to give local media outlets insights and knowledge on how they can develop the leadership capabilities required to excel and sustain their growth.