UAE: Social media 'moves' people, not a 'journalistic institution', expert says
Ali Jaber, a prominent Lebanese TV personality, said in session of the Arab Media Forum that although the media will be led by humans, AI will eliminate menial tasks. This, in turn, will allow humans to invest more time into creative and intellectual work.
Jaber, who is also dean of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communication at the American University of Dubai and the group director of Saudi media conglomerate MBC TV, added, 'AI is essential in our work. We have to learn how to interact with it.'
The Arab Media Forum is part of the Arab Media Summit, a three-day event which brings in media professionals from around the Arab region. It is organised by the Dubai Press Club, and this edition's summit is focused on discourse surrounding the future of Arab media.
Fall of traditional media
Jaber added that the shift of receiving news from social media, citing the ongoing Gaza crisis. He said that traditional media, especially in the West, was a 'significant fall for the moral system that was ruling the international media when we faced the Gaza issue.'
He added, 'Social media moved people — a new generation. What we saw on the streets of Europe and America was, of course, the victory of social media over traditional media.'
However, he said that social media is not a 'journalistic institution.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Pope Leo expected to visit Lebanon this year
Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Lebanon this year in what could be his first foreign trip as pontiff. Patriarch Bechara Rai, the head of Lebanon's Maronite Church, said Pope Leo will travel to Lebanon "by December". He told Al Arabiya that "preparations are already underway" for the visit. Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the US, was elected in May after the death of Pope Francis, and has yet to make a papal visit abroad. In public remarks he has called for peace in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza after the strip's only Catholic church was bombed by Israel, killing three people.
Emirates 24/7
3 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Humanitarian leads collective tribute on World Humanitarian Day 2025
In observance of World Humanitarian Day 2025, Dubai Humanitarian convened a community gathering alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UAE Aid Agency to honour the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and to reaffirm that civilians and aid workers must never be a target. Held under the theme 'Act for Humanity', the event took place at Dubai Humanitarian's headquarters and brought together representatives from UN agencies, UAE-based aid organisations, international NGOs, and government partners. The gathering served as a moment of collective reflection on the courage of those who serve on the frontlines of crises, while also underscoring the growing need for global solidarity and principled humanitarian action. The programme featured speeches by Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE; Sajeda Shawa, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - UAE office; and Rashed Al Hamiri, Director of the Operations Department at UAE Aid. A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have lost their lives while helping others. Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, opened the event by underscoring the importance to carry forward our humanitarian mission through continued collaboration with partners across every sector. In his remarks, he stated, 'World Humanitarian Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility. As an active participant in the humanitarian ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian bears witness to the great sacrifices humanitarian workers make. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by crises, aid workers and civilians alike, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering hope, dignity, and support wherever it is needed, no matter the challenge or distance.' For her part, Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, added, 'On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour those we have lost and the courage of those who continue to serve. But remembrance must be matched by resolve, to protect civilians, to defend international humanitarian law, and to ensure that aid is never blocked, never politicised, and never forgotten.' Rashed Alhemeri, Executive Director of Operations at UAE Aid, said, 'The humanitarian aid is in the DNA of the UAE and the guidance and directives of our leaders have pushed the UAE's global humanitarian response to higher levels. The UAE allocated 40 percent of its total foreign assistance during the last two years to the humanitarian response. We commemorate the UAE's humanitarian martyrs and all others who lost their lives while helping others. Rashid Al Hemeir also referred to 2025, the Year of the Community and its slogan 'hand in hand' and stressed that it is only by working together as partners that we can address the serious challenges the humanitarian work is facing especially to access people in need and avail the resources required.' In the closing remarks, Sajeda Shawa, Head of OCHA's UAE Office, said, 'Today, after more than two decades since the horrific explosion in 2003, the dangers have only grown. In 2024 alone, 383 humanitarian workers were killed – the highest number ever recorded. This year, we are already counting devastating losses. "We face unprecedented challenges. 300 million people are in urgent need of assistance this year, yet humanitarian operations are only 18 per cent funded. Millions will go without food, medicine, or protection. These are the steepest cuts we have ever faced – and the cost will be measured in lives. That is why OCHA's Humanitarian Reset is about more than reform, it is about renewal. We are putting people, not systems, at the center. We are shifting power to local communities. We are cutting through inefficiency. We are recommitting to the essence of humanitarianism: protecting life with dignity,' Shawa added. World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on 19th August, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, honours the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and underscores the importance of protecting civilians and those serving in humanitarian settings. Each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need to uphold international humanitarian principles and to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action around the world.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Public holidays in UAE: Can dates be changed to give residents longer weekends?
A new Cabinet resolution that came into effect on January 1, 2025, allows certain public holidays in the UAE to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekday. The rule, however, does not apply to Eid holidays; additionally, it can only be activated if the Cabinet issues a decision to this effect. Here is what the law says and what it means for residents and employers. Which UAE holidays can be transferred if they fall on a weekday? According to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the following holidays may be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall on a weekday: Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Gregorian New Year (January 1) Hijri New Year (1 Muharram) Prophet's Birthday (12 Rabi' Al Awwal) Arafat Day (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) UAE National Day (December 2–3) How does the transferable holiday rule work? The law does not move holidays automatically. Instead, the Cabinet must issue a specific decision for each year, confirming which holidays (if any) will be shifted to create longer weekends. Example: Prophet's Birthday in 2025 The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday is marked on the 12th of Rabi' Al Awwal. If the Islamic month begins on August 24, the holiday would fall on Thursday, September 4. If the month begins on August 25, it would fall on Friday, September 5. Residents will receive one day off as declared by the Cabinet. If the holiday falls on Friday, September 5, many employees would enjoy a three-day weekend, including Saturday and Sunday. If it falls on Thursday, September 4, the Cabinet could decide to move it to the weekend, but this is not automatic; it depends on a Cabinet decision. Example: National Day in 2025 The UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, celebrates the unification of the Emirates. In 2025, the 54th National Day will be marked on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. By default, this creates a two-day break in the middle of the week. However, under the Cabinet resolution, these holidays could be shifted to create a longer weekend, but again, this requires an official decision. Which holidays are not transferable in the UAE? Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha cannot be shifted, even if they overlap with weekends. This is because the dates of both holidays are tied directly to Islamic rituals and observances that cannot be altered. Can holidays be transferred if they overlap with another public holiday? No. The resolution states that a holiday cannot be transferred if it coincides with another public holiday or falls directly on the weekend. When did this law take effect? The resolution came into force on January 1, 2025. It replaces Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019. How can residents plan long weekends with this rule? Residents can expect the possibility of extended weekends when holidays like New Year's, National Day, or the Prophet's Birthday fall close to a Friday or Sunday. The actual confirmation will depend on the Cabinet's annual announcement. Should employers automatically apply transferable holidays? No. Employers must wait for the official annual holiday schedule, which clarifies whether a holiday will be shifted. What do employees need to check with HR regarding this law? Employees should confirm with HR or management whether a specific holiday has been officially transferred before booking travel or leave. What is Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024? It is the federal resolution that sets out the official list of public holidays in the UAE for both public and private sectors, effective from January 1, 2025. It also outlines the conditions under which certain holidays may be transferred.
