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Mohammed attends Arab Media Forum

Mohammed talks with a number of opinion leaders

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met today with a number of opinion leaders, politicians and media personalities from around the world on the sideline of the 11th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Present at the opening ceremony of the two-day forum organised by the Dubai Press Club were Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Mohammed discussed the Arab’s status quo with eminent media figures and journalists giving its current rapid change, highlighting economic, social and educational development in the Arab world that has financial, natural and human resources potentialities in abundance, however lacks the willpower to make a difference in its social, economic and educational infrastructure.

Asserting the importance of holding on to Arab’s cultural norms, traditions and various dialects, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the significance of adhering to Arabic Language in order to preserve the Arabs national identity.

During her opening remarks at the ceremony, Executive Director of Dubai Press Club, part of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Maryam bin Fahad welcomed the forum's participants, who represent press and media outlets across the Middle East, in their second home, UAE, stressing that the AMF focuses on major shifts in the Arab region and the role the media industry should assume so as influence and make the required changes.

Sheikh Mohammed and the gathering then viewed a documentary film showcasing last year’s Arab Media Forum, with particular focus given to their ideas related to a number of Arab current issues.

In a keynote address at the AMF, Research Professor and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University, Dr Farouk El-Baz underlined the importance of education and investing in youth and creativity in order to attain the aspired change in the Arab region in all fields, citing Sheikh Mohammed’s successful developmental journey in UAE as an example of distinguished leaders.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shebani, Commander General of Dubai Police Lt. General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Ahmed Abdullah Al Sheikh and heads of press and media organisations from around the country.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012