Minister of State underlines public diplomacy’s role in keeping global dialogue open
Noura Al Kaabi told the Arab Media Summit that public diplomacy builds bridges between peoples, guards national security and must be backed by credible, coordinated narratives.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, said public diplomacy plays an increasingly vital role in maintaining dialogue and building bridges between nations amid global change, speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai on Tuesday.
Bridging peoples and perspectives
Addressing a session titled “Media and Diplomacy in a Changing World” at the Government Communication Forum, Al Kaabi emphasised that the UAE’s international relations are founded on tolerance, openness, respect for different religions and cultures, and shared interests. Her remarks were delivered to an audience that included Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice‑Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Arab Media Summit, alongside senior media professionals.
Al Kaabi said public diplomacy is particularly crucial when conventional political channels are limited, arguing that successful diplomacy should bring viewpoints closer, reduce differences and open new opportunities for mutual understanding and cooperation.
She welcomed recent positive developments in relations with Syria and noted Syrian President Ahmed Al‑Sharaa’s visit to the UAE. Al Kaabi also praised an initiative by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, to restore the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, describing it as a measure that will help preserve the memory of the Syrian people and protect Arab cultural heritage.
Consistency, credibility and youth engagement
Turning to the UAE’s soft power, Al Kaabi stressed that building a national narrative requires consistency, credibility and co‑ordination across government, reinforced by international partnerships. She cited the global participation in Expo 2020 Dubai as an example of the country’s capacity to convene people and cultures around a shared vision.
Al Kaabi warned about the rapid spread of misinformation on digital platforms and urged an approach based on active engagement, continuous assessment, rapid response and established credibility. She highlighted the role of young people in verifying information, challenging misleading content and using digital channels to strengthen communication between the UAE and global audiences.
Finally, the minister underlined that openness and stronger international relationships must be matched by responsibility and awareness, reiterating that the security of the country and society is paramount and non‑negotiable.
Source: WAM