Latest news with #AlSuwaidi
Campaign ME
16 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
UAE Media Council reveals regulation for social media ads, age-rating for content
The UAE Media Council has launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower and stimulate growth in the media sector. This includes a new resolution regulating social media advertising, support for content creators, an age-rating system for media content, and updated professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility and adherence to journalistic standards. The announcement was made during a press conference, held at the 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, as reported by the state-run Emirates News Agency (Wam). 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. 'A transformative shift in the UAE's media sector' 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 service, 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.' Regulatory structure for UAE media organisations and content creators 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. 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.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
UAE to launch media age rating system to protect children
UAE to roll out media age rating system to protect children from harmful content, the Media Council announced Thursday. PHOTO: PIXABAY Listen to article The United Arab Emirates will implement a comprehensive age rating system for media content, aimed at shielding children and adolescents from inappropriate material, the UAE Media Council announced on Thursday. The initiative, which comes amid a surge in digital content consumption, is part of a broader framework launched to regulate and develop the media sector. While the council has not yet specified a timeline for the rollout, officials emphasise its critical importance in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Speaking at the launch, Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, said the new age classification system builds on existing regulations covering films, video games, comics, and printed material. The expansion will now encompass a broader spectrum of digital and on-demand content. 'This system is crucial given the rise in digital content consumption,' Al Suwaidi said. 'It is designed to safeguard young audiences while creating a more robust and responsible media environment.' The system forms a central part of the UAE's recently introduced Media Regulation Law, hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described the law as a transformative milestone that lays a solid foundation for a future-proof media sector. Developed over two years through collaboration with federal and local agencies, media organisations, creators, and international experts, the new regulatory framework is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to technological changes, including developments in artificial intelligence, gaming, and digital broadcasting. A new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals, aimed at enhancing transparency, building public trust, and improving the quality of digital content. Three-year permit fee exemptions for social media content creators, offering tangible support to the creator economy. A local content empowerment policy that prioritises Emirati talent and projects, encouraging media that reflects national identity and culture. Fee exemptions for select media services, aimed at supporting local producers, writers, and creatives. Al Suwaidi stressed that empowering national content is a cornerstone of the new strategy. 'We aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures creativity, supports local production, and positions the UAE as a competitive media hub regionally and globally.' The UAE Media Council says the initiative aligns with national goals to make the media sector a vital contributor to the economy, supporting GDP growth, attracting investment, and stimulating innovation. By introducing streamlined procedures, strategic partnerships, and incentivised exemptions, the system aims to unlock the full potential of the media landscape while ensuring content safety and cultural integrity. 'This is not just a regulatory shift,' said Al Shehhi, 'it's a strategic transformation that positions media as a key pillar in the UAE's sustainable development.'
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
'Make it in the Emirates' concludes fourth edition
Major Economic Impact "The event has established itself as a leading annual platform for launching record-breaking industrial, financial, and employment opportunities," Al Suwaidi said in his concluding comments. The forum unveiled over 4,800 locally producible items valued at AED 168 billion, approved industrial financing worth AED 40 billion, and launched the AED 1 billion Emirates Growth Fund for SME support, in addition to the 1,200 job opportunities provided through Industrialists Career Exhibition. Year-Round Initiative Speaking to 'Sharjah24', Al Suwaidi emphasised that 'Make it in the Emirates' is not just an annual event but a year-round initiative offering a growing portfolio of investment opportunities in the industrial sector. He noted that over 4,800 products worth AED 168 billion are now ready for local manufacturing by both national and international investors. Forum Growth Evident He highlighted the notable growth of this year's edition compared to previous ones, bringing together manufacturing, employment, and advanced technologies under one roof—including artificial intelligence. This demonstrates the forum's key role in diversifying the national economy and boosting the global competitiveness of Emirati products. Employment Opportunities Boost Al Suwaidi pointed out that the Industrialists Career Exhibition, held alongside the forum, offered 1,200 job opportunities from 100 industrial companies. The platform aims to connect national talents with jobs in advanced technical sectors, supporting the UAE's localisation strategy and encouraging youth to pursue future-focused industrial careers. Upward Momentum Continues The Undersecretary concluded that this year's outcomes reflect clear upward momentum, promising that the next edition will offer even greater opportunities, broader growth, and a stronger impact on the UAE's industrial sector and overall economy.
Mid East Info
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
At ‘Make it in the Emirates': Khalifa Fund's ASATEER supported project wins ‘Emirati Traditional Crafts' Award
The ASATEER project, supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), has been awarded the 'Emirati Traditional Crafts' at the fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum, recognising its innovative contributions and significant role in advancing the UAE's entrepreneurial and creative landscape. The judging panel at this prestigious forum, which is recognised as the UAE's premier industrial gathering that congregates entrepreneurs and innovators across diverse sectors, commended the project for its cultural resonance, originality, and potential to enhance the UAE's local economy while contributing to the advancement of the design industry. Mohammed Rashed AlSuwaidi, founder of ASATEER, expressed his immense pride in receiving this recognition, attributing the project's success to the steadfast support provided by KFED. He stated: 'This recognition inspires us to further strengthen our footprint in the local market and explore new growth opportunities, whether through strategic collaborations or financial partnerships.' AlSuwaidi added: 'Our products are deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, inspired by the legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We are committed to sharing our culture, both its authenticity and modern evolution, with the world through premium craftsmanship. Our participation in several prominent events, including the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), has further fortified our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly production. Ultimately, we aim to be pioneers in locally sourced Emirati-made design.' Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, remarked: 'We are proud to see ASATEER's achievement and the growth of other homegrown ventures. This reflects the dynamic nature of the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Supporting startups and fostering innovation is central to our mission. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering such projects, which serve as catalysts for Abu Dhabi's sustainable economic growth.' The 'Make in the Emirates' forum serves as a crucial platform that unites start-ups, investors, and innovators, with the goal of promoting local manufacturing and enhancing innovation, in line with the UAE's vision for economic growth through entrepreneurial projects and endeavours. The 'Make in the Emirates' Awards, one of the key initiatives of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, recognise excellence and innovation in the industrial sector. These awards celebrate the creative minds and visionaries who aim to shape the future of industry in the UAE and beyond with their bold and ambitious vision. The awards also support the UAE's transformation into a global hub for manufacturing and innovation and offer a platform for participants to showcase their innovations, achievements, success stories, and contributions to the advancement of the country's industrial sector.
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE a launchpad for manufacturers' global growth
22 May 2025 01:42 SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)The UAE's manufacturing sector has grown by nearly 70 percent over the last four years, contributing Dh210 billion to its GDP in 2024, compared to Dh133 billion in 2021, a top official has said. Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of Make It In the Emirates 2025, Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), said the momentum set since 2021 — with the launch of the UAE's Operational 300bn industrial advancement – is set to continue. 'When it comes to manufacturing value-add to the GDP, we've seen tremendous growth since the launch of our industrial strategy. We've gone from Dh133 billion annually to Dh210 billion: that's 68 percent growth. [We are seeing the growth of the] industry and its impact — not only impact directly on the manufacturers but also on the [entire] supply chain, and the ripple effect on the services that are associated,' Al Suwaidi said. 'From the trajectory we've seen in the first four years — with the interest and the commitment we're seeing from all of our partners, whether it's the producers, manufacturers, or procurers — we see that momentum continuing,' he added. Make It In the EmiratesThe UAE launched the Operation 300bn strategy in 2021, with the aim of increasing its industrial sector's contribution to the GDP to Dh300 billion by 2031. The Make It In the Emirates (MIITE) effort was launched alongside that vision in a bid to connect investors, innovators, and manufacturers, encouraging them to bolster domestic production and opt for local procurement by ADNEC Group and hosted by MoIAT, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, this year's MIITE is running at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until May Suwaidi said the 2025 edition of MIITE is the biggest yet, with over 58,000 visitors attending on the first two days.'We have grown since last year in terms of space, volume, and the number of companies participating. This year, we have more than 720 companies participating with their products, and we have about 3, 800 products on display throughout the event,' Al Suwaidi products have been drawn from a wide variety of sectors, and provide a snapshot of the true breadth of industrial activity in the UAE — from local farming and agricultural products to aircraft engines, armoured vehicles, pharmaceutical items, and even satellites. Supporting Manufacturer Growth'If you want to grow here and beyond, you need to come and set up in the UAE,' Al Suwaidi said, highlighting the competitive advantages on offer. In 2025, these include an expanded set of financing solutions worth Dh40 billion, following agreements between the MoIAT and five leading national banks designed to stimulate investments in industry and advanced technology, generate tailored financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen strategic public-private MoIAT-led National In-Country Value (ICV) Programme, which redirects government procurement expenditure to local products and services, has also grown substantially.'We have had four major partners joining us: Modon, Emaar, Silal, and Calidus. These are significant, large entities in the UAE and they will definitely provide additional offtake and additional ICV scope for manufacturers and service providers in UAE,' Al Suwaidi keeping with the Operation 300bn strategy, the UAE is continuing to strengthen manufacturing across 11 priority sectors, including established sectors like food, beverages and agritech to sectors reliant on next-generation technologies, such as hydrogen and Suwaidi emphasised the UAE's focus on supporting local industry.'The UAE offers clarity in terms of the priority [manufacturing] sectors. We also have alignment across all government entities, local or federal, and the supporting ecosystem — the infrastructure, the logistics, the financing, the land, and the specialised industrial zones.'Our [growing list of] Comprehensive Economic Agreements (CEPAs) provide [manufacturers with] additional market access to almost 3 billion [people globally]…There's also the very stable and very supportive legislative system that's pro-business growth, and [geared to enhance the] quality of life of the people living here.'All of these enablers — this whole ecosystem — is what enables manufacturers to grow.' MIITE 2025 has seen a host of key announcements in its first two days, including agreements between UAE-based entities and global industrial leaders like Airbus and Schneider Electric. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
