Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Enhances Dubai Media Council's Role With New Legislation

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (29) of 2024 concerning the Dubai Media Council. This law enhances the Council's authority to implement strategies for advancing Dubai's media sector. It will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Additionally, Decree No. (66) of 2024 was issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, appointing the Dubai Media Council as the regulatory body for media activities throughout Dubai. This includes special development zones and free zones like the Dubai International Financial Centre. The Dubai Development Authority will maintain its jurisdiction over media activities within its zones but will collaborate with the Council on regulatory issues.

The new legislation also involves Decree No. (67) of 2024, which transfers the Dubai Film and TV Commission from the Dubai Development Authority to operate under the Dubai Media Council. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, stated that this legislation is part of a strategic realignment in media governance inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's vision.

Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that this expanded mandate allows transformative changes in Dubai's media landscape. It aligns with leadership goals to establish the emirate as a global hub for creativity and innovation. The Council aims to attract top talent and leading media institutions worldwide through this new mandate.

"Mohammed bin Rashid's vision for Dubai's media sector inspires us to accelerate our efforts to enhance the industry and its ecosystem," said Sheikh Ahmed. "The new legislation empowers the Council to launch innovative initiatives to strengthen Dubai's role as a leading global media hub." He added that with clear strategies and performance metrics in place, they are committed to driving progress and staying ahead of global industry trends.

Law No. (29) of 2024 outlines objectives for integrating media efforts across the emirate, adopting a unified strategic vision, monitoring strategy implementation, and enhancing competitiveness as a global hub. It also aims to bolster young media talent, support Emirati professionals' development, and promote film and video gaming industries.

New Entities Under Expanded Mandate

The law broadens the Council's mandate as the main government authority regulating Dubai's media sector. Responsibilities include promoting research, innovation, development; implementing strategies for global promotion of film and video gaming industries; fostering local talent; attracting investments both domestic and foreign.

A new entity called the Dubai Films and Games Commission will be established under this expanded mandate within the Dubai Media Council framework. This commission succeeds the former Film & TV Commission focusing on advancing film & gaming industries pivotal to growth in Dubai’s media ecosystem.

Regulatory Frameworks for Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director at DMC commented: "This legislation marks a new phase of growth for Dubai’s media landscape." She emphasized how expanding mandates oversee sectors formulating policies establishing clear regulations create strong foundations sustaining progress solidifying city stature globally.

"Dubai’s development has always been anchored in clear flexible legislative frameworks adapting swiftly global changes," she added further explaining these frameworks crucial fostering investment discovering nurturing local talent equipping them resources needed succeed ensuring competitiveness enhanced through comprehensive understanding industry needs supportive policies reinforcing status leading regional creative excellence."

Dubai Media Permits Office Initiative

An initiative under DMC’s expanded mandate involves establishing another entity - The 'Dubai Media Permits Office'. Nehal Badri Secretary-General at DMC explained it would issue permits coordinating with DDA developing comprehensive strategy regulating activities aligning evolving needs fostering seamless operational environment reinforcing position pre-eminent regional hub innovation excellence."

The scope extends into establishing regulatory frameworks supporting growth within film/video gaming industries enhancing contributions economy overseeing creation/development digital platforms production/distribution promoting local films/games internationally supporting brands solidifying status leading centre development globally."

Supporting Local Industries

The responsibilities include organizing exhibitions/events/conferences/missions/training programs/workshops related locally/internationally developing reports analyzing data guiding policy developments ensuring competitiveness sectors involved."

With inputs from WAM