May 26, 2019

Speakers at Emirati Media Forum discuss how Emirati influencers can better reach out to audiences

Chairman of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman HH Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, said that Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a role model for Emirati influencers aspiring to become global influencers, as he is a leader whose decisions and messages conveyed through social media have been received well by global audiences. He was a pioneer among government leaders in using social media platforms.

Speaking at a session titled ‘Does the Emirati influencer shape opinion?’ at the 5th Emirati Media Forum, organised by the Dubai Press Club on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dubai, Al Nuaimi said that social media has been instrumental in taking the UAE’s voice to the world.  Emirati influencers have made a positive impact in humanitarian and charity fields in which they should uphold the highest values so that they can be true ambassadors of the country.

Answering a question from the moderator, Ali Al Saloum, about the role of UAE influencers in social media, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid said that Emirati influencers have conveyed messages that reflect local values and traditions, which help project the country’s soft power. They have highlighted the humanitarian work done by the UAE. Social media has become a more powerful platform than traditional media for raising awareness about the UAE’s charitable and humanitarian contributions.

He also said that Emirati influencers have become a ‘small media establishment’ that communicates positive images about the country and highlights its soft power.  He also said that local influencers can be ambassadors for the country in the digital world given the millions of followers they have.

Addressing a question on whether the Emirati influencer really “influences”, Al Nuaimi said that the sky is the limit for local influencers, adding that he wishes that local influencers can reach a wider audience globally. Realising this depends on their ability to adopt a clear strategy and develop distinctive creative content.

Panelists agreed that influencers should respect national values while using social media platforms. They also highlighted the importance of training social media influencers in helping them reach global audiences and streamlining the efforts of media organizations in the country to support local influencers in having an impact on global audiences

The session also discussed the social media success stories of Emirati influencers who have touched the daily lives of people. Panelists also highlighted the tools that influencers can use to become positive influencers.