DUBAI: Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO), joined media leaders at a Ramadan gathering held at Atlantis The Royal. Editors-in-chief, senior officials from Arab and international media, social media influencers, and media companies were present at the gathering.
At the outset of the meeting, Sheikh Abdulla welcomed the attendees, affirming that media is a strategic partner in the system of development and prosperity in all countries and communities, and a fundamental driver in humanitarian, economic, and developmental programmes.
Sheikh Abdulla stated, ‘Today, we live in a fast-paced world amidst fierce multi-faceted competition, where the winner is the one who pursues sustainable development and provides innovative, modern, and flexible media content based on opinion grounded in facts, documented information, and accurate data, with continuous evaluation and accurate data to ensure a reliable media message.’
Beyond just delivering news, Sheikh Abdulla pointed
to the media’s power in shaping public awareness and driving positive change in society. He emphasised the media’s responsibility to be a reliable source and a catalyst for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
He added, “We gather coinciding with ‘Zayed Humanitarian Day,’ an opportunity to shed light on the legacy of the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who taught us that compassion and mercy are the essence of humanity. He taught us that tolerance is a value, virtue, and way of life, and he taught us acceptance of others, and compassion towards humans regardless of their gender or nationality.”
Sheikh Abdulla affirmed that the UAE follows in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed in generosity and humanitarianism, thanks to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These directives aim to propagate noble values such as solidarity, cooperation, and human fraternity.
The Chairman of the National Media Office expressed his gratitude and appreciatio
n to the media entities for showcasing the UAE’s extensive global humanitarian initiatives, particularly aid provided to Palestine. He expressed this while stressing the importance of countering misleading narratives that distort facts.
Furthermore, Sheikh Abdulla underscored the role of media in building the UAE’s soft power. He emphasised the necessity of investing in media, not merely financially, but also in terms of awareness, concerted effort, and the establishment of robust media entities with a trustworthy reputation.
He pointed out that achieving the required goals requires a commitment to transparency, integrity, and professionalism, providing sincere, impactful, and engaging media content. Additionally, he stressed that truth ultimately prevails, recognising the significant influence of those who control the media.
He highlighted the commitment of the National Media Office to support media that respects and enlightens the mind, promotes peace, contributes to sustainable development, and enhances
the values of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding. He affirmed his aspiration for fruitful cooperation with all media partners to achieve these goals and build a brighter future for future generations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, media representatives expressed their thanks to Sheikh Abdulla Al Hamed for his unwavering commitment to engaging with all media leaders and for considering their ideas and suggestions. This acknowledgement underscores the pivotal role of the media as an engaged and supportive component of comprehensive and sustainable development.
Source: Emirates News Agency