Latest news with #SheikhaLatifa
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Politics
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed: We need media that leads the content industry with cultural depth
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the Arab Media Summit 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This year's edition, , organised by the Dubai Press Club, held from 26 to 28 May, convened a distinguished gathering of prominent ministers, industry leaders, content creators, and influencers from across the UAE and the Arab world. During the event, Her Highness delivered a powerful keynote speech under the theme 'The Role of Media in the Age of Algorithms.' In her address, Her Highness underscored that we are navigating a critical juncture—where media intersects with digital transformation, where the rules of communication and influence are being redefined, and where the roles of institutions and individuals are undergoing rapid shifts. She stressed the importance of pausing to reflect on urgent questions: What kind of media do we want? What defines true influence? And how can we protect our societies from digital disorder without isolating them from innovation? Her Highness affirmed that algorithms and artificial intelligence are tools of our own making, powerful yet controllable: 'Algorithms and artificial intelligence are tools we have created whose keys remain in our hands. It is we who breathe life into them, define their purpose, and shape their outcomes.' She went on to describe the evolving nature of our world, no longer defined by borders or geography but shaped by algorithms that determine our exposure to content and connection to communities. In this digital era, identity is increasingly anchored in ideas, affiliations, and shared values rather than location or nationality. These emerging digital communities have become spaces for dialogue, expression, and influence, offering people visibility and belonging, especially those previously marginalised by mainstream narratives. Her Highness remarked that we have moved beyond the age of centralised media into an era of decentralised content, where every individual can become a media outlet in their own right. With countless sources and fragmented facts, the responsibility of media has expanded—and so must our standards of trust and integrity. A Parallel Reality Her Highness further highlighted that digital communities have evolved into a parallel reality, shaping identities, relationships, and decisions in ways that often rival, or even surpass, our physical environments. She shared compelling statistics to illustrate this shift: with the global population expected to exceed 8 billion in 2025, over 5 billion are now active social media users, representing nearly 65% of humanity. In the last year alone, 241 million new users joined, at a rate of roughly 660,000 per day. These numbers, she noted, reflect more than just growth; they signal a profound transformation in how we experience the world. Through vivid examples, Her Highness described this new global connectivity: a young anime fan in the UAE finds a connection with peers in Tokyo. A teenager in the Netherlands feels closest to a football star in Brazil. A student in Britain shares his story of overcoming bullying, and his voice resonates from Egypt to Lebanon, Australia to Jordan, all connected through a global network that transcends borders and continents, discovering in this new form of belonging a sense of connection that often feels deeper, and perhaps even more authentic, than their ties to the physical places they call home. Her Highness concluded this section by affirming that digital communities are not merely gatherings but evolving cultures and ecosystems reshaping communication, loyalty, and identity. She said in this regard: 'I speak to you today as a participant in this evolving landscape. In Dubai, we've long believed in the power of storytelling and the necessity of cultural dialogue, and now, as we navigate this digital frontier, I see our youth building bridges across continents. A young anime fan in the UAE finds a connection with peers in Tokyo. A teenager in the Netherlands feels closest to a football star in Brazil. A student in Britain shares his story of overcoming bullying, and his voice resonates from Egypt to Lebanon, Australia to Jordan, all connected through a global network that transcends borders and continents, discovering in this new form of belonging a sense of connection that often feels deeper, and perhaps even more authentic, than their ties to the physical places they call home.' Her Highness noted that today's influencers have played a significant role in shaping public awareness and have become part of the cultural memory of our time. Their ability to reach audiences swiftly and directly has positioned them as new voices of influence that increasingly compete with traditional media in guiding public opinion, shaping behaviours, and setting social trends. Media and Digital Communities Against this backdrop of rapid transformation, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called for a reexamination of the media's evolving role and its relationship with the public. 'How can the media meaningfully engage with the millions of digital communities emerging across platforms? And how can it understand, communicate with, and reflect the new identities shaped by algorithms?' she asked. Her Highness emphasised that the media must remain anchored in its core responsibility as a guide and trusted source even amid technological disruption. She underscored the ethical and professional imperative to verify information, counter misinformation, and offer content that is credible, inclusive, and rooted in truth. Her Highness addressed media institutions: 'The media need not compete with influencers in a race for trends. Its true role lies in creating meaning, rebuilding trust, and offering a deeper human story in a way that would rise above the tide of fleeting, fast-paced content to leave a lasting impact.' She emphasised the importance of the media embracing the digital era while remaining anchored in the authenticity of its values. The media must go beyond reporting — it must interpret facts, translate ideas, and promote understanding rooted in shared human values, not deepen divisions. In doing so, it can reclaim its place as a conscious and responsible narrator—one defined by integrity, authenticity, and openness. Her Highness also urged the public to view digital communities not as threats but as opportunities to build bridges, foster dialogue, and create meaningful, value-driven content. She stressed that in today's world, we urgently need to spread messages of hope, goodness, and optimism. 'This is the true calling of the media,' she said, 'to serve as a source of inspiration, a voice of hope, and a light that guides us towards a brighter, more compassionate, and promising future.' She addressed the influencers: 'You are not simply entertainers or trendsetters. You are storytellers of your generation. You are shaping the tone of public discourse, the values we promote, and the ideas we carry forward. Use that power with intention. Let your content uplift, inform, and inspire. And know that we the media need not compete with influencers in a race for trends. Its true role lies in creating meaning, rebuilding trust, and offering a deeper human story in a way that would rise above the tide of fleeting, fast-paced content to leave a lasting impact.' A New Media Discourse Her Highness called on media institutions, influencers, and opinion leaders to come together to shape a new media discourse grounded in responsibility, guided by awareness, and anchored in ethical and professional standards. In her closing remarks, Her Highness emphasised that digital communities are a natural extension of human connection born from a universal need to build bonds, exchange ideas, and engage meaningfully. She called on all participants to build on the momentum of this summit and strive for more ambitious, far-reaching goals: to invest in social media as a force for good and to cultivate positive, engaged communities, both physical and virtual, that transcend borders and bring us closer to our shared human aspirations. As a step toward this vision, Her Highness launched a new hashtag during the session —#YourContentYourImpact — as a collective call to leave a meaningful digital footprint that reflects our values, amplifies our impact, and honours the spirit of this gathering. She said, 'This hashtag is more than a digital symbol; it is a thread that connects us wherever we are. It reflects our awareness, our values, and the principles we hold dear. It captures our collective aspiration to create and share content that uplifts, inspires, and leaves a meaningful mark. And finally, it is a call to pause, reflect, and take responsibility before we publish.' Her Highness pointed out that #YourContentYourImpact' is not just a hashtag or a slogan but rather a message to all of us to examine ourselves before publishing any content and a pledge to harness our voices and digital presence to bring about change and positive impact in our lives and communities, to be beacons of goodness and hope for all.' 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Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dr. Anwar Gargash: UAE's pragmatic and balanced policy offers a model for the region
- Arab Media Summit 2025 addresses 'Repercussions of Disorder and Challenges of Stability' - Dr. Anwar Gargash: UAE's pragmatic and balanced policy offers a model for the region His Excellency Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, said today that the world is currently navigating an era of 'uncertainty' across technological, economic, and political spheres. He was speaking at a keynote session at the Arab Media Summit 2025, titled 'Repercussions of Disorder and Challenges of Stability'. The session was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE Olympic Committee, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority,Gargash highlighted the rapid transformations in artificial intelligence, the rise of nationalistic and protectionist economic policies, and a shift in US foreign policy prioritising American interests. HE Dr. Gargash also noted significant changes within the Arab world, including the decline of long-held ideologies that have yielded negative consequences, citing Lebanon and Syria as examples of positive change through cooperation with the international community. His Excellency Dr. Gargash stated that the UAE, through its successful model and pragmatic policy focused on security, stability, prosperity, improved living standards, education, and modern technology, offers a positive message to the region and the world. He emphasised the UAE's responsibility in addressing the current global 'uncertainty' in technological, economic, and political domains, both regionally and internationally. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit, also attended the session. The dialogue with HE Dr. Gargash was moderated by Taher Barakah of Al Arabiya news channel. HE Dr. Gargash said: 'One of the most definitive lessons of the past three years, since the events in Gaza, is the utter collapse of ideologies in the Arab world. Despite this, many in our region remain unrealistic, clinging to these demonstrably failed and detrimental ideologies.' He added that there is a pressing need to end the 'era of ideology' in Arab politics, as it has fostered sectarianism, tension, and the diminishment of the state's role. He stressed that this ideological rigidity is incompatible with authentic, moderate Arab thought and culture. He further emphasised the need for pragmatism and a focus on critical issues such as improving living standards, creating job opportunities, developing education, achieving prosperity and economic stability, addressing the reasons for youth emigration, and looking towards the future. His Excellency affirmed that the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries are presenting positive examples in this regard. Dr. Gargash underscored the importance of strengthening the concept of the nation-state in several countries. He argued that it is unrealistic for militias to lead nations or for a single state to have two armies, highlighting the negative consequences of such situations. He added that clinging to slogans has led to the deterioration of conditions in many Arab countries, trapping them in a state of stagnation. He noted that Lebanon and Syria are on the path to recovery, though some forces seek to pull them back into the previous turmoil. He stressed the importance of supporting these two Arab nations, as their stability and recovery represent a positive contribution to the Arab world, wishing their new governments every success. He added that the UAE embraces many Arab nationalities who have contributed to its development and progress. Dr. Gargash noted that the creativity and productivity these individuals demonstrate within the UAE's supportive environment reflect the broader potential of the people in the region. His Excellency stated that the UAE formulates its foreign policy based on national decisions, a matter of national sovereignty. He asserted that some are using the issue of normalisation with Israel as a 'political slogan and a scarecrow' to obscure economic, political, and social failures and internal tensions, rather than realistically addressing economic and livelihood challenges to improve people's lives, create jobs, focus on education, and achieve prosperity. He confirmed that establishing diplomatic relations with Israel has not come at the expense of the UAE's steadfast approach in supporting the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people's right to statehood. Dr. Gargash pointed out that figures speak louder than empty claims, noting that the UAE has contributed over 42% of the total humanitarian aid that has entered Gaza since the events of 7 October. He expressed concern that a fabricated and malicious media campaign is being waged against the UAE. He stated that the UAE leaves the judgment of its experience to others, as its achievements and successes speak for themselves and enjoy considerable global recognition. He added that those who view the UAE objectively, as is the case with 'credible' media, will find a pioneering model of progress in the economy, society, political field, technology sector, and the tourist industry. Dr. Gargash added: 'We cannot dwell on these malicious campaigns broadcast by (social media militias and unscrupulous media). We rise above them and confront them with the positive narrative of our successful experience.' His Excellency expressed his conviction that the media sector is also at a crossroads and experiencing uncertainty due to its connection with rapidly evolving artificial intelligence. He stressed that adapting to these changes will determine which media institutions will disappear and which will survive or thrive. Dr. Gargash also affirmed that the UAE prioritises investment in technology as an investment in the future, highlighting significant agreements in this field with the United States, France, and other countries. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Emirates 24/7
Mansoor bin Mohammed, Latifa bint Mohammed attend 24th Arab Media Award ceremony
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, today attended the 24th edition of the Arab Media Award (AMA) ceremony. Organised by the Dubai Press Club, the representative of the General Secretariat of the Award, the ceremony was held on the second day of the Arab Media Summit, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. The ceremony took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in the presence of Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, alongside editors-in-chief, senior leaders of prominent media organisations from the UAE, the Arab region and beyond, as well as renowned writers and influential figures from the Arab media landscape. On the occasion, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, 'The Arab Media Award reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a leading hub for Arab media and a platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in this vital sector. Media remains a cornerstone of development and a key pillar in shaping societal awareness.' He added, 'Today, we honour a distinguished group of media professionals whose dedication and professionalism have enhanced public discourse and set high standards in media practice. The winning works from this edition exemplify credibility, creativity and a deep sense of responsibility. This recognition affirms our belief in professional media as a force for preserving national identity, promoting dialogue and helping build a more informed and cohesive future.' 'Dubai continues to be a destination that empowers Arab media professionals, offering a nurturing environment for excellence and genuine creativity,' he said. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, alongside Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Arab Media Award, presented the Media Personality of the Year award to Iraqi journalist Fakhri Karim, Chairman of the Board and Editor-in-Chief of the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Arab journalism, his long-standing service to Arab media and culture, and his instrumental role in advancing journalism in Iraq. H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, alongside Mona Al Marri, presented the Best Columnist award to prominent Egyptian journalist and columnist Suleiman Gouda of Al-Masry Al-Youm. Gouda was honoured for his balanced commentary and insightful analysis of current affairs, highlighting his contribution to enriching Arab journalism. This year, nine winners were honoured across the various categories of the Arab Media Award. With the latest edition, the total number of awardees since the Award's establishment has reached 361 individuals and organisations. H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, alongside Mona Al Marri, also presented the awards in the TV category: - Best Economic Programme: Business with Lobna – Sky News Arabia (received by host Lobna Bouza). - Best Social Programme: Sabah Al Arabiya – Al Arabiya (received by host Reem Bsati). - Best Cultural Programme: Sahibat Al Saada – aired on DMC, a channel under United Media Services (received by host Esaad Younes). - Best Sports Programme: Counter Attack – Sky News Arabia (received by host Moosa Al Baloushi). - Best Documentary: Under the Rubble – Al Sharq Documentary (received by channel's Director General Mohamed Al Youssi). Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, and Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award, presented the Arab Journalism awards: - Political Journalism: Mohamed Eissa from Al Ahram Al Arabi magazine was awarded for his piece titled 'Drones… the Looming Threat'. - Investigative Journalism: Sameh El Laboudy from Asharq Al-Awsat received the award for his feature 'The Final Voyage of the Notorious 'Salt Boat'. - Economic Journalism: El Sayed Zeidah and Mohamed Salman from Youm7 were honoured for their report 'The Cryptocurrency Maze Begins with a Like. At the end of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed took a commemorative photo with all the winners. Mona Al Marri extended her congratulations to all the winners across the Award's categories, emphasising that the Arab Media Award is a reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to consolidate Dubai's position as a pivotal centre for Arab media and a regional benchmark for honouring excellence in the sector. She added, 'This year's winners represent a group of professionals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to the Arab media landscape. Their work sets a benchmark for quality and impact. The winning entries reflect a deep commitment to professional standards and media values. Since its inception, the Award has served as a mirror to the media sector's progress and a platform that encourages constructive competition and continuous improvement.' The Arab Media Award continues to spotlight professional excellence and high editorial standards in a media landscape marked by rapid transformation. Organised by the Dubai Press Club, the Award remains the Arab world's foremost media recognition platform, celebrating innovative and impactful journalism that meets the evolving needs of the region. This year's edition attracted over 2,900 submissions from across the Arab world. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Mohammed underscores importance of joint Arab efforts to enhance region's message to the world
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, emphasised the importance of enhancing joint efforts to unify the Arab voice and articulate the region's message to the world. This message, he affirmed, is rooted in a commitment to peace and in empowering people to build a future grounded in stability, progress, and prosperity. His Highness's remarks were made during a meeting with Arab information ministers participating in the Arab Media Summit, which is being held in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. During the meeting, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, His Highness exchanged views with the ministers on the Arab media in the coming phase, particularly the need for intensified cooperation and coordination on critical issues concerning the region and its people. He underscored the pivotal role of the media in shaping narratives and steering outcomes that advance the wellbeing of the Arab region and its people. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed affirmed the UAE's support, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for media and media professionals. This commitment reflects a firm belief in the media's role as a key partner in sustainable development, with the power to drive positive social change, unlock potential, and accelerate progress. The Arab information ministers expressed their deep appreciation for the UAE's efforts and leading role in supporting Arab causes regionally and internationally. They commended the UAE's impactful contributions to advancing human progress through its various projects and initiatives aimed at serving the broader Arab interest. Among these initiatives, they highlighted the Arab Media Summit, organised in Dubai, which seeks to foster dialogue among Arab media leaders and key industry figures. The Summit aims to develop a clear vision for the future of the media sector, affirm its positive impact on creating an Arab renaissance, and mobilising efforts to shape a future of progress and prosperity for the region. The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office, and Chairman of the UAE Media Council; Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information of Bahrain; His Excellency Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of Lebanon; and Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- General
- Emirates 24/7
Latifa bint Mohammed meets with Lebanon's Ministers of Culture, Information at Arab Media Summit
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, met with Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of Lebanon, and Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information, on the sidelines of the Arab Media Summit. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Summit is organised by the Dubai Press Club and runs through 28th May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Lebanon and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage preservation, the arts, and media. Discussions explored potential areas of partnership to support talent development and creative industries, focusing on empowering future generations and safeguarding the region's rich cultural legacy. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue in building bridges between societies and championing diversity as a pillar for sustainable development across the Arab world. The meeting was attended by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit; and Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award, and Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
