Continuous Learning and Adaptability Essential for Thriving Media Sector, Says NMA Chairman
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed emphasises the importance of professional development and industry dialogue in strengthening the UAE's media institutions at an Open Majlis in Dubai.
The National Media Authority held an Open Majlis in Dubai, bringing together media professionals and content creators to discuss the evolving landscape of journalism and communications in the United Arab Emirates. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the NMA, addressed the gathering with remarks centred on the transformative nature of the contemporary media environment and the qualities required to navigate it successfully.
Mr Al Hamed articulated that institutional resilience depends upon the continuous pursuit of professional development and the capacity to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. He emphasised that the rapid transformation of global media demands concerted effort to reinforce the sector’s role in raising public awareness and supporting national development.
Central to his address was the recognition that people represent the driving force behind meaningful institutional progress. Mr Al Hamed highlighted that the strength of the UAE’s media rests fundamentally upon public trust, and that responsible communication serves crucial functions in shaping awareness, preserving national identity and presenting the country’s image internationally.
The Chairman stressed the importance of direct engagement between the NMA and industry professionals, noting that such dialogue extends beyond problem identification to provide valuable insights into present circumstances and anticipate future sector requirements. He advocated for policies informed by first-hand industry experience and the accumulated expertise of media organisations and content creators.
Participants in the Open Majlis—including journalists, media representatives and digital creators—contributed discussions on professional challenges and proposed collaborative approaches to strengthen partnerships between the Authority and media organisations. Mr Al Hamed responded to questions regarding the Authority’s commitment to developing policies in partnership with industry professionals, ensuring that feedback translates into concrete action and constructive ideas become practical initiatives.
Addressing the assembled professionals, Mr Al Hamed urged continued commitment to upholding professionalism and credibility whilst placing the national interest at the centre of all work. He noted that media serving its country earns the respect of its audience and creates impact extending beyond the moment of publication.
The Chairman called for a strategic shift from discussing challenges toward implementing practical solutions grounded in existing expertise. He stressed that investment in talent remains fundamental to building a media sector capable of matching the pace of technological change, whilst acknowledging that technological advances, however significant, always require skilled professionals capable of wielding them responsibly and with sound judgement.
Towards the end of the session, Mr Al Hamed addressed content creators specifically, emphasising that the UAE’s presence on social media platforms must reflect the nation’s established values and ethical principles. He called upon Emirati citizens to demonstrate responsibility in their conduct, in accordance with the leadership’s vision of citizens as examples of responsible behaviour and openness to the world. He observed that the nation’s achievements represent its strongest message to the international community, and that those recognising their country’s worth need not concern themselves with responding to others, but should allow accomplishments to speak for themselves.
The Open Majlis reflects the NMA’s broader commitment to building closer, more interactive relationships with the media sector. The Authority continues to strengthen communication channels with media organisations and professionals to foster an agile and competitive media ecosystem capable of adapting to change and reinforcing a media presence consistent with the UAE’s standing and ambitions.
Source: WAM