Latest news with #Shehhi
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Media Council announces launch of comprehensive system to regulate, empower, stimulate growth in media sector
29 May 2025 16:12 DUBAI (WAM)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 announcement was made during a press conference, held today 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 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 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 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 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 noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media 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 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 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 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 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.
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Media Council awards Presight contract to launch smart platform for media services
21 May 2025 23:17 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE Media Council (UAEMC) signed a contract Wednesday with Presight – the UAE's leading global big data analytics company powered by AI – during Make it in the Emirates new agreement is designed to establish the Unified Media AI and Analytics Platform, a next-generation solution designed to regulate and assess media content prior to to support the UAEMC's national regulatory mandate, the platform provides a single, AI-powered environment to analyse, inspect, and validate media content that is pending release, such as books, films, artworks, and more. The platform ensures accelerated, thorough, and accurate review of content that aligns with UAE laws, values, and standards before reaching the platform also aggregates disparate datasets from agencies and licensing bodies across the media ecosystem, providing access to a centralised, AI-enabled capability to make data-driven decisions efficiently and ethically. It goes on to offer advanced tools for searching, analysing, filtering, and collaboration in real Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, stated, "The launch of the Unified Media AI and Analytics Platform in collaboration with Presight marks a transformative milestone for the UAE's media regulatory landscape. As the first-of-its-kind in the region, this platform embodies the Council's commitment to proactive, AI-driven governance — a bold step toward ensuring that all content pending publication upholds the UAE's legal, ethical, and cultural standards.""This initiative is not just a technological leap; it's a practical realisation of the UAE Strategy for Government Services, where digital excellence is placed in service of the public. By integrating real-time data analytics with intuitive regulatory tools, we are streamlining processes, improving consistency, and elevating the quality and pace of decision-making across the sector," he Shehhi added, "Embracing artificial intelligence as a foundational element in media oversight empowers us to better understand audience trends, enhance transparency, and future-proof media policy. At the UAE Media Council, we view AI not just as a tool, but as a driver of resilience, adaptability, and sustainability in a fast-evolving content landscape."Concluding his remarks, the Secretary-General said, "Through this platform, we are laying the groundwork for a collaborative, integrated, and intelligent media ecosystem — one that brings together federal and local authorities, free zones, and international partners to ensure the UAE remains at the forefront of digital transformation and global media leadership."Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, commented, "With the launch of the Unified Media AI and Analytics Platform, we're proud to empower the UAE's media regulators with a transformative tool that ensures all content pending publication aligns with the nation's highest ethical and cultural standards. This platform is more than just a technological innovation; it's a powerful example of how Applied AI can be harnessed to protect national values while enabling faster, more consistent, and intelligent regulatory action.""Our partnership with the UAE Media Council is a testament to the impact of cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of governance. By uniting policy, technology, and purpose, we've built a solution designed to meet the diverse and growing needs of media regulation. This initiative reinforces the UAE's leadership in ethical digital transformation and ensures that the content reaching the public domain reflects the integrity and aspirations of the nation," he tasks such as the inspection and licensing of media content were conducted manually. The new platform will digitise and enhance these processes, thus reducing review cycles, improving consistency, and strengthening communication between media agencies, publishers, and stakeholders. With its intuitive AI-driven interface and seamless stakeholder integration, the platform is poised to reinforce the UAE's leadership in digital governance, enabling a resilient, ethical, and future-ready media ecosystem that is transparent, collaborative, and aligned with national priorities.
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.
