Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC), said the UAE has taken long strides in achieving excellence in all walks of life, leaving its hallmark on the world scene and maintaining its first rank amongst the most happiest peoples of the world thanks to the far-sighted vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, constant support of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and close follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Dr Al Jaber expressed profound gratitude and thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for honouring the NMC during the third Emirati Media Forum in Dubai.

'Honouring the NMC is a recognition of the tremendous efforts made by the media institutions in the State, particularly their swift, prompt and positive response and their effective role in the coverage of efforts being exerted by our Armed Forces to restore legitimacy in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition. Our media has succeeded in strengthening the spirit of national solidarity and in standing bravely and transparently with the families of the nation's martyrs, those wounded and the community at large,' he said.

'I would also like to extend deep thanks to the Dubai Government Media Office, Dubai Press Club and organisers of the Emirati Media Forum, and producing this shining outlook which conveys a message of respect and reverence to the souls of our martyrs and sends a message of appreciation and gratitude to our Armed Forces servicemen for the dedication and sacrifices. The whole nation is wholeheartedly standing with them,' he added.

Dr. Al Jaber stressed that it is important to benefit from the important, strategic messages given by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, specifically those concerning the social media organs which play an increasing role in our daily life as a quick source for information. It is also important here to enhance the role of families and community to educate the young generation and urge them to adhere to accuracy and credibility in accessing information sources.

Al Jaber further explained that the Emirati Media Forum provides a scientific platform for stakeholders to discuss the media landscape and methods to improve professional performance.

'It is no secret that amidst the developments that our region is going through, our local media, namely the English speaking one, is required to double its efforts to communicate and promote the true face of our religion, culture and civilisation and communicate and reflect the correct image about our values, traditions and principles and correct some misconceptions that might be distorted by international media reports,' he said.

He emphasised that the UAE media has proven its maturity and achieved many successes over the earlier period thanks to unified efforts and by taking initiatives. Continuing this trend, he noted, the local media will deliver more success by reflecting the achievements of the nation and leadership to the local and international public.

Source: WAM