Jamal Al Kaabi Heads UAE Delegation At 54th Session Of Council Of Arab Ministers Of Information

Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, led the UAE delegation at the 54th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information in Manama, Bahrain. The session saw participation from Arab information ministers, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, and heads of media organisations and unions with observer status.

The 54th session concentrated on enhancing Arab media cooperation to address regional and global challenges. The UAE delegation included Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policy at the UAE Media Council. Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi highlighted the UAE's commitment to establishing a responsible media ecosystem under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership.

Dr. Al Kaabi stated, "Today we gather in Manama, the ‘Capital of Arab Media’ for 2024, amidst rapid regional and international events affecting the Arab media landscape. We face an unprecedented array of regional and global challenges that are significantly impacting the media sector."

Dr. Al Kaabi reiterated the UAE's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, emphasising Jerusalem's central role. He noted that the UAE has consistently provided humanitarian aid through initiatives like the Amalthea Initiative and Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, which delivers humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza.

He added, "In support of the Palestinian people facing dire humanitarian conditions, the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan included treating 1,000 children from Gaza in UAE hospitals until recovery and hosting 1,000 cancer patients of various ages from Gaza for treatment."

Combating Terrorism

Addressing challenges in Arab media, Dr. Al Kaabi stressed the need for a healthy media environment amid the rise of digital social media. He called for strong media platforms to maintain an active presence regionally and internationally. He underscored activating a joint Arab media strategy to combat terrorism and highlighted the importance of the Arab Institute for Peace Journalism.

Dr. Al Kaabi also discussed utilising artificial intelligence in media for content regulation and automating production. He emphasised a comprehensive vision to enhance Arab women's role in media and promote safe media initiatives for Arab children.

Building an Arab Media Identity

The NMO Director-General urged collaboration on building an Arab media identity in light of global developments. He stressed upskilling Arab media professionals through practical training to tackle global challenges. Dr. Al Kaabi expressed hope that Arab media would align its plans with sustainable development goals.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Al Kaabi called for recommendations supporting the Arab media ecosystem to counter misinformation and rumours across social media and websites.

Agenda Highlights

The meeting's agenda included continued media support for the Palestinian cause and following up on the Arab media action plan for global outreach. It also covered adopting statutes for observatories and integrated platforms, recommendations from the Arab Electronic Media Committee, and promoting environmental media culture.

Empowering Arab Women

The Council discussed implementing a phased plan of the joint Arab media strategy to combat terrorism, adopted during the 33rd Arab Summit in Bahrain. Efforts to enhance Arab women's role in media and adopting the Arab Media Charter of Honour were also key topics.

With inputs from WAM