الشارقة 24 – وام:
In a recent dialogue with the University of Zayed Military Newspaper, Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Batti Al Hamad, the Chairman of the National Media Authority, highlighted the significance of the declaration by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, naming 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” This initiative reflects a profound vision that recognises the foundational role of the family in cultivating community strength and sustaining societal achievements, as it is the primary nurturing ground for values and the first school of belonging, responsibility, and discipline.
The Role of Family and Education in Society
According to Al Hamad, there is a critical need for synergy between the home and national institutions. Families instil values, while universities refine them, and practical experiences test them. He articulated that the University of Zayed Military exemplifies this synergy by not only providing academic and military training but also contributing to the development of balanced personalities capable of transforming belonging into responsibility, values into behaviour, and knowledge into service.
The Media’s Influence on National Identity
The media, as Al Hamad put it, is pivotal in embedding these values within the public consciousness. A media institution that has its platform is better equipped to narrate its experiences from within, convey directives and initiatives with professionalism, and explain their significance and effects, thereby building a long-lasting trust that extends beyond mere news. When families, education, institutions, and media collaborate around a unified value system, human development evolves into a comprehensive national project.
Establishing a National Media Authority
He emphasized that the establishment of the National Media Authority marks a strategic move recognising the vital role of media in solidifying the UAE’s presence and standing globally. It aims to consolidate media efforts and enhance their capacity for reach and impact. The Authority functions as a core part of a national system striving to ensure that the UAE possesses a voice commensurate with its stature and influence.
Vision for a Forward-Thinking Media Landscape
Al Hamad remarked that in their approach, they draw inspiration from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s clear vision for the media, which has outlined the UAE’s media landscape and philosophy as a noble message designed to guide awareness, foster trust, safeguard identity, and shape the future. He acknowledged the directives from Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, which promote innovation, competitiveness, and openness to the world, asserting the importance of harnessing modern tools to evolve media into a dynamic sector capable of content production and leveraging technology effectively.
The Importance of Collaboration and Innovation
Al Hamad also noted the significant role played by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, in establishing a cohesive institutional framework that unites efforts across the media landscape. This collaboration is crucial for the development of competencies, tools, and partnerships that enhance the capacity of UAE media to adapt to transformations and create a sustainable impact.
Strategic Vision for Content Creation
He pointed out that unity in messaging does not equate to homogenisation of methods or the elimination of diversity; instead, it means aligning different messages around clear foundations. The objective is to progress from disparate initiatives to a more coordinated and impactful media system. Al Hamad emphasised the importance of four foundational elements: investing in national competencies that produce content, deploying technologies to amplify reach, establishing international partnerships that open new horizons, and implementing precise impact measurements to guide strategy.
Embracing Modern Technology and Values
Alongside this, the Authority is focusing on investing in multilingual content, artificial intelligence, and modern technologies while ensuring that humanity remains central as the idea bearer and content custodian. Al Hamad highlighted the need to achieve authenticity in narrative, stating that media capable of crossing borders and engaging audiences starts with a solid credibility within its own context. The goal is not merely to relay the UAE’s story to the world but also to possess the capability to create this narrative from an Emirati perspective, contributing to the global discourse on regional issues and future developments.
Advancing Knowledge and Shared Experiences
Al Hamad further posited that modern media is an integrated industry, and no institution can establish a meaningful presence in isolation. Successful collaborations should enhance identity rather than replace it, adding depth and expertise. He asserted that the UAE boasts an advanced media and production environment, aspiring to transition from simply hosting production to generating ideas, content, and competencies that link Emirati and Arab talents with top global experiences.
Specialised Media and Institutional Voices
On the establishment of a unique newspaper by the University of Zayed Military, Al Hamad congratulated the institution for recognising the critical role of media in documenting and conveying institutional experiences to the community. This step signifies a transition from being mere content consumers to active partners in content creation, allowing institutions to narrate their own stories with accurate details that may not be captured by conventional coverage. He noted that the emergence of institutional media creates a new generation of specialised reporting that conveys knowledge and expertise professionally, enriching the national media landscape.
Enhancing Institutional Transparency
Regarding the internal media initiatives of military institutions and their role in fostering transparency, Al Hamad pointed out that trust is earned through clarity and openness rather than demanded. He stressed that the modern perception of military institutions should encompass more than just discipline; it should reflect their human, intellectual, educational, and developmental dimensions. Internal media can illuminate the level of scientific, moral, and technical qualifications that individuals undergo while also showcasing success stories and community initiatives.
Addressing the Integration of Candidates in Military Education
Commenting on the integration of male and female candidates at the University of Zayed Military, Al Hamad lauded this initiative as an advancement in the UAE’s long journey towards empowering women and allowing them to contribute across various national sectors. He asserted that this approach emphasises competency as a foundation for responsibility, fostering a culture of teamwork in military education, and preparing generations of national talents dedicated to serving the country.
The Future of Campus Radio
Regarding the launch of a dedicated radio station within the University of Zayed Military, Al Hamad saw this as a crucial step towards integrating media with education. The students’ involvement in content production teaches them about responsible communication and enhances their skills in public speaking and message crafting. He commended the university for this initiative, indicating its potential to bring military discipline and media creativity together.
The Role of Media in Crisis Management
In discussing the National Media Authority’s role in managing the media landscape amid crises, Al Hamad stressed that in such times, accurate information becomes a national responsibility, and while speed is essential, it must be coupled with accuracy. The Authority facilitates the readiness of the media landscape, coordinating effective communication and swiftly delivering precise information from reliable sources, thereby combating misinformation and rumours.
Ultimately, Al Hamad affirmed that true preparedness begins before a crisis, necessitating training personnel, clarifying coordination mechanisms, and understanding platform characteristics and audience nuances. The trust built with the audience through consistent, accurate reporting bolsters the national role of media during challenging times.