Latest news with #AlShehhi
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE plans 3-year fee exemption for content creators, age rating system for media content
The UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. This initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council's establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. The announcement was made during a press conference, held on Thursday at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi emphasised the Council's ongoing commitment to launching a new media system that embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system aims to drive a transformative shift in the development of the UAE's media sector, ensuring its continued regional and global leadership, as envisioned by the UAE's leadership. Al Shehhi stated, "The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth.' Al Shehhi highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. He added, "This system was developed over two years, through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.' Furthermore, Al Shehhi noted that the new media system goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. "We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact," he said, emphasising the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective media. Al Shehhi concluded, "The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. 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." Maitha Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE Media Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape, achieved through a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary environment. She noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media industry. Al Suwaidi explained that this roadmap goes beyond traditional legal frameworks, as it includes not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values. A key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. "It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees," she stated. Furthermore, Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. She also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework. Regarding regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system. This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment. She emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message. In conclusion, Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system represents a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality. It provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness. WAM
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Media Council Launches New System to Modernise and Grow Media Sector
The UAE Media Council has unveiled a sweeping new system to regulate, empower, and accelerate the growth of the country's media sector, marking a major step in modernising the regulatory framework and positioning the UAE as a global media leader. Announced at a press conference held today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, the initiative builds on the momentum of the Council's formation in February 2023 and the introduction of the landmark Media Regulation Law—the first in over four decades. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described the system as a transformative shift that integrates updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and sector-specific policies. 'It's a future-proof approach developed in collaboration with government bodies, media organisations, and international experts to foster innovation, attract investment, and empower talent,' he said. Al Shehhi highlighted that the framework is designed to strengthen the UAE's media competitiveness regionally and globally. Key elements include content standards that uphold national values, strategic incentives for content creators, and streamlined procedures to stimulate sustainable sector growth. Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies at the Council, emphasised the system's focus on creating a flexible and modern media environment. Among the new measures is a regulation targeting social media advertising, offering content creators a three-year exemption from permit fees and introducing quality controls to build public trust. Additional initiatives include a digital content age-rating system, licensing frameworks for online news platforms, and fee exemptions to support Emirati creatives. Al Suwaidi described the launch as a pivotal moment in shaping a professional, transparent, and impactful media ecosystem aligned with the UAE's national vision. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Telegraph Island project hits 50% completion in Musandam
KHASAB: The historic development project on Maqlab Island, commonly known as Telegraph Island, has reached 50 perc ent completion, marking a key milestone in Musandam Governorate's efforts to boost sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic growth in the governorate while revitalising the island's unique historical significance. Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shehhi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, said the project is anchored on several strategic goals: restoring and showcasing the site's historic structures in an educational and attractive way, promoting sustainable tourism to generate jobs and boost local incomes, and conserving the island's rich marine environment, home to vibrant coral reefs and fish. He emphasised that the project offers a rare opportunity to connect the past with the present by using heritage as a foundation for tourism and cultural development. With a balanced approach between preservation and renewal, the project aims to transform the island into a regional and global destination that highlights a forgotten chapter in the history of global communications. The development includes a 731-square-metre multi-use hall, a 130-square-metre service building, an 8-meter-long marine landing platform with a floating system, a guard room with full access facilities, a utility building for electricity generators and fuel storage, and a shaded canopy area. Additionally, a mountain walkway will link the island's facilities, along with two dedicated photo platforms offering views of its main landmarks. Al Shehhi noted that Maqlab Island gained historical importance in 1864 as a transmission station for the submarine telegraph cable linking Mumbai in India to Basra in Iraq—making it the site of the first modern telecommunications line in the Middle East. The island's natural landscape and location among Musandam's sea creeks further enhance its appeal to tourists and adventure seekers. In recognition of its architectural and cultural value, the project recently received a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing it among the world's most notable architectural projects. Once complete, the development is expected to become a distinctive tourist destination and a model for the revitalization of heritage sites across the region. — ONA
Al Etihad
12-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Media Council highlights UAE's responsible content guidelines at Arab Media Forum
12 May 2025 12:01 KUWAIT (WAM)The UAE has adopted clear standards to promote responsible digital content that reinforces national identity, and upholds ethical and social values, while embracing modern digital tools, said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Arab Media Forum in Kuwait, where the UAE is the Guest of Honour, Al Shehhi said the country's selection reflects its growing stature as a regional and global media hub. He attributed this to a strategic approach that integrates legislation, empowerment, investment, and innovation to build a modern media ecosystem. This framework, he noted, supports local content and attracts global media talent, strengthening the UAE's position as a leading media centre. Al Shehhi underlined that the UAE's media policies and regulatory framework play a vital role in fostering a dynamic media environment that adapts to rapid developments and boosts global added that the UAE Media Council has introduced a comprehensive legislative roadmap, starting with a new media law and its executive regulations, with additional policies and decisions expected to said these initiatives reflect the UAE's commitment to aligning media practices with international standards while preserving national identity. The new legislative framework is also designed to boost the media economy and attract both local and foreign investment through a flexible, supportive regulatory Shehhi highlighted the pivotal role of the UAE Media Council in nurturing Emirati talent amid fast-paced technological pointed to specialised training programmes and workshops for media professionals and content creators, including the launch of the Media Apprenticeship Programme, in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council under its Nafis programme. The programme aims to prepare a new generation of Emirati media professionals equipped to meet evolving industry demands. It targets recent graduates, final-year media students, and professionals seeking to enhance their media highlighted the UAE's belief in youth as future leaders of the media sector, underscoring the importance of building their capabilities in using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual Shehhi also outlined the council's development of comprehensive media content standards covering content quality, value alignment, individual rights, and age-appropriateness. These standards serve as a regulatory compass for media outlets and digital platforms. He concluded that the UAE's participation in the forum underscores its commitment to shaping the future of media through regional and international cooperation, and aligning national policies with global media trends.
Arabian Business
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's Khaled AlShehhi makes history as first government official on Cannes Lions Jury
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has selected Khaled AlShehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication at the UAE Government Media Office, to join its PR Lions jury. This appointment marks the first time in the festival's 72-year history that a government sector representative has been chosen for the jury. AlShehhi's selection comes as recognition of the UAE's contributions to marketing communications. Cannes Lions appoints first-ever government representative from UAE to PR jury The UAE Government Media Office has accumulated over 220 international awards, including multiple Cannes Lions, and ranks fourth globally in the Effie Index for effective marketing. The office was also named Global Brand of the Year by the AME New York Festival in 2022. 'It is a privilege to join the Cannes Lions jury, an opportunity that not only underscores our organisation's achievements globally but also highlights the UAE's belief in the power of creativity to shape impactful government communications. For me, true creativity begins with a heart-racing insight, and it only grows stronger when you dare to bring it to life. if an idea doesn't shake you a bit, it's probably not bold enough to capture hearts and transform realities. I look forward to sharing our perspective and learning from the world's finest PR campaigns. I am grateful to work in an environment that consistently nurtures bold ideas and encourages pioneering strategies. This culture of innovation enables us to produce campaigns that resonate locally and globally, and I hope to bring those insights to the jury table,' AlShehhi said. AlShehhi brings significant industry recognition to the role. He was named Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx 2023 and received the 2023 Loeries Marketing Leadership & Innovation Award, becoming the first Middle Eastern recipient in the award's 45-year history. His other accolades include the 2022 Effie MENA Honorary Award and the 2022 World Media Group Award for Content Leadership & Innovation. His industry involvement extends to board positions with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) in the Middle East and North Africa, and membership in the Strategic Council of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA). 'We are delighted to welcome Khaled AlShehhi to the PR Lions jury. His innovative work in government communications and ongoing commitment to creative excellence in the region and beyond, means he is well placed to represent the region on the global stage. The UAE Government Media Office's consistent success at Cannes Lions – winning for three consecutive years and the UAE's ranking at eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index highlight the remarkable strides the nation has made in recent years,' Simon Cook, CEO of Lions added Cook noted that the UAE Government Media Office has won Cannes Lions for three consecutive years, with the UAE now ranking eighth in the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Index. AlShehhi will join global professionals in Cannes this June to evaluate PR campaigns, with the Awards Show scheduled for June 20, 2025.
