UAE Joins Executive Office of Arab Information Ministers Council

The UAE has been elected to the Executive Office of the Arab Information Ministers Council during its meeting held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo. This achievement highlights the UAE’s leading role in supporting Arab media cooperation and shaping joint policies and initiatives across the region.

The UAE delegation, led by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, attended the 55th ordinary session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers. The session was also attended by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, alongside senior representatives from member states.

Al Hamed said the UAE’s election reflects the trust and confidence of Arab states in the country’s expertise in media development. He highlighted the UAE’s continuous efforts to improve content quality, empower talent, and leverage digital transformation to create a more effective and forward-looking Arab media sector.

In his address, Al Hamed conveyed greetings from the UAE’s leadership and praised the role of Arab media in raising awareness, promoting values, and addressing regional and global developments. He emphasised that media responsibilities extend beyond reporting to become a force for development, social stability, and cultural identity.

He stressed the importance of the Arab Media Code of Honour as a professional and ethical framework. The Code ensures fairness, truth, and respect for human dignity while guiding media institutions in delivering responsible content. Recent amendments to the Code reinforce that Arab media should support stability and unity rather than causing confusion or division.

Al Hamed also noted the growing impact of digital media, which has become the most influential platform for public awareness and transcends borders. He urged for a unified Arab vision that balances freedom of expression with content responsibility, fights misinformation, and strengthens Arab media’s competitive presence globally.

The UAE official highlighted the role of the Arab Electronic Media Committee as a hub for collective expertise, enabling proactive strategies to address digital media challenges and maximize long-term benefits. He emphasised Arab media’s role in countering terrorism, stressing that combating extremist narratives requires unified messaging, cooperation, and advanced technological tools.

Al Hamed also spoke about the importance of training and empowering media professionals, noting that excellence demands skills in research, analysis, investigation, and content creation. He called for joint programs, stronger institutional partnerships, and clear performance standards to develop a skilled and responsible Arab media workforce.

Regarding emerging technologies, Al Hamed said artificial intelligence (AI) is a tool that can enhance media performance, but human vision and judgment remain central. He highlighted the need to use technology responsibly, ensuring transparency, privacy, and ethical safeguards.

The UAE delegation also included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt; and Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policy Sector.

The 55th Council session covered topics such as the Palestinian cause, Arab Media Action Plans abroad, environmental media, professional development, media literacy in schools, strategic engagement with global media companies, and the integration of new technologies and AI.

The UAE’s election to the Executive Office strengthens its position as a leader in shaping Arab media, promoting ethical standards, and driving digital growth across the region.