UAE Media Council Collaborates With IMI To Enhance National Talent Development In Media Sector

The UAE Media Council has entered into a partnership with IMI, a leading global media group, to nurture local talent in the media sector. This collaboration is part of the Media Apprenticeship Programme, initiated by the UAE Media Council in May alongside the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis). The agreement was formalised at IMI's new Abu Dhabi headquarters.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Rani Raad, CEO of IMI Group, signed the agreement. Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Media Strategy and Policy Sector at UAE Media Council, along with other officials from both organisations, attended the event. Al Shehhi stressed the importance of unified national efforts and partnerships with private media firms.

Al Shehhi highlighted that these partnerships provide exceptional opportunities for enhancing national skills and gaining valuable media expertise. He praised IMI's support for the UAE's aspirations to create a world-class media environment. "This partnership demonstrates the UAE Media Council's commitment to empowering the media sector to attain global leadership by investing in the development of national skills and talents," he stated.

Al Shehhi expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with IMI due to its global expertise. He emphasised their dedication to preparing professionals for the job market and advancing the nation's media ambitions. Raad added, "We are proud to be the first global media group in the UAE to partner with the UAE Media Council on this initiative."

Raad further explained that they aim to develop future Emirati media professionals and expand this vital industry. Through Redbird IMI, their media investment platform, they offer unique learning opportunities about top media assets and standards via their network of companies and brands like Sky News Arabia and CNN Economy.

Training Programmes and Opportunities

The collaboration aims to raise awareness about various media programmes aligning with national trends for an advanced media system based on quality and flexibility. The agreement includes intensive training programmes and career opportunities for Emirati talents provided by IMI. This supports the UAE Media Council's goal of nurturing creative Emirati professionals capable of producing innovative content reflecting a positive image globally.

Through initiatives like these, aspiring Emirati talent can access world-class training via IMI Media Academy. This will help them join leading teams in the industry while contributing significantly to developing a robust national media landscape.

With inputs from WAM