Ministry of Finance Hosts Financial Media Forum to Advance Transparency and Literacy
The Ministry of Finance will host the second edition of the Financial Media Forum on May 1 in Dubai, under the theme 'Shaping the Future of Financial Sector: The Balance Between Influence and Responsibility,' bringing together experts to promote transparency, financial literacy, and sustainable economic growth.
Organised in collaboration with media and educational institutions across the UAE, the forum will convene over 100 participants, including government officials, financial specialists, journalists, and university students. Representatives from more than 40 financial, media, and academic organisations are also set to attend.
The event will be inaugurated by Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance. Key speakers include Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the UAE Media Council, Mohammed Al Hammadi, Acting Director General of Emirates News Agency (WAM), and Ali Abdullah Sharafi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the International Financial Relationship Sector at the MoF.
AlKhoori said the forum will serve as a strategic platform for financial and media professionals to exchange knowledge, empowering the community with insights essential for driving transparency and long-term economic sustainability.
Panel discussions will cover critical topics such as the future of the financial sector, public-private partnerships, sustainability, government spending, and the role of media in financial literacy. Special sessions will also focus on social welfare and financial awareness.
Interactive activities will feature a workshop on best practices in financial journalism, governance principles, and data analysis for media professionals. A dedicated session under the "UAE Global Cadres" Initiative will highlight training and employment opportunities for finance students in international institutions.
Building on the success of its first edition, the forum continues to strengthen public financial awareness in line with the UAE's vision for a resilient and informed economy.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Japan's 30-year bonds rise after weak auction outcome, in line with expectations
TOKYO - Japan's 30-year government bond prices rose after an auction of the notes saw its weakest outcome in one and a half years, in line with market expectations. The bid-to-cover ratio, a measure of demand that gauges the number of bids against the amount of securities on offer, fell to 2.921, the worst since December 2023, and was down from 3.074 at the prior sale in May. The auction followed a weak outcome of the 40-year bond sale last week, and was a gauge for demand in so-called super-long bonds, which saw heavy sell-offs in May. "The weak outcome signalled the market has not recovered from the weakness, with volatilities in yields remaining high," said Katsutoshi Inadome, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. The poor auction results would add pressure on the finance ministry to reduce the issuance of bonds with super-long maturities. Such expectations rose after Reuters reported last week the Ministry of Finance is considering reducing its sales of super-long bonds. The ministry could reduce the sale amounts as early as July, after hearing opinions from primary dealers at a meeting scheduled later this month, strategists said. Sentiment will be weak as long as the scale of expected cuts remains unclear, they said. The 30-year JGB yield was last down 7 basis points at 2.875%, extending the decline of 5.5 bps before the auction. Bond yields move inversely to prices. "The yields fell so much ahead of the auction because some investors bought the 30-year bonds, expecting that the auction outcome would be good," Inadome said. The 10-year JGB yield fell 3.5 bps to 1.465% and the five-year yield fell 2 bps to 1.02%. (Reporting by Junko Fujita, Kevin Buckland and Rocky Swift; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar posts $138m budget deficit in Q1 2025
Qatar recorded a budget deficit of QR500m ($138m) in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The deficit, which covers the months of January through March, was financed through debt instruments, the ministry confirmed via its official statement on social media platform X. The total revenues for Q1 2025 stood at QR49.4bn ($13.56bn), marking a 7.5 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Breaking down the revenue: Oil and gas revenues amounted to QR 42.5bn ($11.68bn) Non-oil revenues contributed QR 6.9bn ($1.9bn) On the expenditure side, Qatar spent QR49.9bn ($13.7bn) in Q1 2025, reflecting a 2.8 per cent year-on-year decrease. Spending was distributed across key categories: Salaries and wages: QR16.9bn ($4.64bn) Current expenditures: QR18.5bn ($5.08bn) Major capital expenditures: QR13.1bn ($3.59bn) Minor capital expenditures: QR 1.2bn ($330m) Qatar economy The MoF also reported that government procurement contracts during Q1 2025 totalled QR6.4bn ($1.76bn). Notably, contracts awarded to foreign firms reached QR1.5bn ($412m) — a 50 per cent surge compared to Q1 2024, underscoring Qatar's expanding engagement with international partners. Among sectors leading economic activity based on the Business Activity Index were: Municipality and environment Health Energy
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
UAE announces new media law introducing major reforms to digital content sector
The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels. The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive new system designed to regulate, empower, and drive sustainable growth across the media sector. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to modernise its media landscape and builds upon the foundation established with the Council's formation in February 2023 and the subsequent enactment of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. Announced at a press conference held at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the launch was led by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policies Sector. Both emphasised that the new framework is in line with the UAE leadership's vision for an innovative, future-ready media environment that not only keeps pace with global developments but also asserts the UAE's leadership on the regional and international stage. Al Shehhi described the new media system as transformative, combining updated legislation with streamlined services and inclusive policies designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable development. He pointed to the Media Regulation Law—hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades—as a turning point for the UAE's media sector. The law addresses modern challenges and opportunities, including digital media, artificial intelligence, on-demand platforms, gaming, and other emerging fields. Developed over two years in collaboration with federal and local entities, media professionals, content creators, and international experts, the system is rooted in a partnership-based approach. Al Shehhi highlighted its flexibility and responsiveness to change, its capacity to empower local talent, and its potential to attract investment and foster innovation. He also underscored the centrality of content to the system, noting the importance of clear standards for responsible and balanced media that reflect Emirati values while encouraging creative impact. The ultimate objective, Al Shehhi said, is to transform the media sector into a powerful contributor to the national economy, capable of boosting GDP and enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, flexible regulations, and incentivised exemptions, the system is designed to create an enabling environment for content creators and media businesses alike. Echoing this vision, Maitha Al Suwaidi said the UAE Media Council is spearheading a comprehensive transformation of the national media framework. She highlighted a legislative roadmap tailored to the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring a dynamic and globally aligned media ecosystem. According to Al Suwaidi, this roadmap extends beyond legal texts to include policies and decisions that respond to the realities of modern media while remaining anchored in national values. Among the notable elements of the new system is a resolution to regulate social media advertising by individuals. Aimed at building trust and elevating content quality, this measure includes a three-year exemption from permit fees for content creators. Another key component is the introduction of a unified age rating system for media content, developed to protect children and adolescents amid the rising consumption of digital content. In addition, Al Suwaidi revealed that the Council is working on a new licensing policy for digital news platforms. The goal is to establish clear standards that enhance journalistic credibility and accountability. Further regulatory advancements include the adoption of Cabinet resolutions on media service fees and administrative penalties, which aim to create a transparent, accessible, and integrated service system aligned with the UAE's digital government vision. She also stressed the importance of the local content empowerment policy, which supports Emirati creatives and prioritises national content. This includes fee exemptions for selected services to encourage local production and storytelling that reflects the country's identity and values. In closing, Al Suwaidi described the new legislative system as a defining moment in the evolution of the UAE's media landscape. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and quality, the framework offers media institutions and content creators a robust platform for production, innovation, and international competitiveness.
