September 17, 2019
UAE Media Delegation Concludes Visit to Cairo
- Delegation explores new avenues for collaboration between the media communities of UAE and Egypt
A UAE media delegation, led by Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and President of Dubai Press Club (DPC), concluded a three-day visit to Cairo, during which it participated in a series of meetings with leaders in Egypt’s media sector. The visit, organised by Dubai Press Club, was aimed at identifying new areas of collaboration between media communities in the UAE and Egypt to promote the growth of Arab media.
The visit, which forms part of a year-long series of engagements and events organised to mark Dubai’s selection as the ‘Capital of Arab Media for 2020’, saw the delegation holding meetings with officials of the Arab League, National Media Authority and the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate from 13-17 September. The delegation also met with chief editors of local newspapers and prominent media figures.
HE Al Marri said the UAE delegation’s successful visit to Cairo formed part of efforts to promote greater cooperation in the Arab world’s media sector. She said the visit will strengthen relations between the media communities of UAE and Egypt.
HE Al Marri commended the Egyptian media’s contributions to the regional media industry. She also expressed her appreciation for the views expressed in the meetings with key media figures in Egypt on ways to raise standards of excellence in the regional media industry. The meetings discussed ideas for new initiatives that can help develop the Arab media sector.
On the last day of the visit, the UAE media delegation met with His Excellency Hussein Zein, Head of Egypt's National Media Authority, at the Authority’s headquarters in Maspero. HE Zein praised the UAE’s keenness to enhance media cooperation and exchange expertise.
He stressed on the importance of collaboration between the UAE and Egypt to shape a positive future for media in the region. Furthermore, he commended Dubai’s success in developing its media industry over the last two decades, which has led to the city becoming a hub for global media.
HE Zein spoke about the efforts of the National Media Authority in enhancing professional standards in the country’s broadcast sector. In response, HE Al Marri commended the Authority’s work that she said has contributed to producing generations of media talent.
“The media has an important role to play in mirroring the aspirations of Arabs for a better future by presenting the truth and combating fake news that hinders the region’s development,” Her Excellency said.
HE Al Marri took the opportunity to invite Egyptian media establishments to participate in the Arab Journalism Award and other initiatives of Dubai Press Club. The meeting touched on the importance of combating fake news and the need for media organisations to refute false information coming from social media platforms.
In another meeting held at the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, the UAE media delegation met with a group of prominent Egyptian media figures including Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the State Information Service and Head of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate.
HE Al Marri expressed her appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between DPC and the Syndicate on various events such as the Arab Media Forum and the Arab Journalism Award. The meeting with the Syndicate was aimed at exchanging knowledge with members of the Egyptian media and exploring opportunities for collaboration on initiatives such as the Arab Journalism Award, which annually receives the highest participation from Egypt. The members appreciated the contributions of the UAE in driving the development of the region’s media.
Earlier, the UAE media delegation met with His Excellency Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt and His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League.
The Emirati media delegation that visited Cairo included HE Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of Watani Al Emarat Foundation; Ahmed Al Hammadi, CEO of the Press Sector at Dubai Media Incorporated; Maitha Buhumaid, Director of DPC; Dr. Hessa Lootah, and a number of chief editors of UAE newspapers including Mona Bu Samra, the Editor-in-chief of Al Bayan; Sami Al Riyami, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm; Khadija Al Marzouqi, Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Post; Raed Al Barqawi, Executive Editor-in-Chief of Al Khaleej; and Sarah Al Jarman, General Manager, Dubai TV & Dubai One TV.
