Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid with a media group in Dubai. WAM

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday attended the Government of Dubai Media Office’s (GDMO) annual media gathering.

The event was attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

During the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid honoured prominent Emirati media personalities for their pioneering contributions to local media development. An initiative of the Dubai Media Council, ‘Dubai Media Pioneers’ seeks to celebrate pioneering Emirati media professionals who have made significant contributions to the local industry’s development. The initiative seeks to raise the visibility of their contributions, enabling the industry to benefit from their expertise.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum arrives at the media gathering.

Commenting on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised the media’s pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s development journey. He commended the dedication of Dubai's media pioneers, particularly at a time when today’s technological advancements were not available to them.

"Emirati pioneers in the media industry have played a key role in building our media industry and introducing our culture, customs and vision to the world. Their commitment to telling the story of the country’s remarkable growth has significantly contributed to ensuring our achievements were recognised on the global stage. We extend our gratitude to them for their contributions, which continue to be cherished to this day.”

His Highness urged the younger generation to draw on the knowledge and experience of pioneering media professionals to boost the media sector's competitiveness, in line with Dubai's future aspirations. Sheikh Mohammed engaged in discussions with local media leaders and senior Arab and international media officials at the gathering, as well as writers, thought leaders, content creators and social media influencers.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid shakes hand with an honourable guest.

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated; Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office; and Sheikh Walid Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MBC Group, were also present at the event.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed said the 'Dubai Media Pioneers' initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to recognising and honouring key contributions to Dubai and the UAE’s progress. He praised the dedication of each individual towards the nation’s development.

"We extend our gratitude to the media pioneers whose contributions have raised the country’s stature as a leader in the Arab media landscape. Today, as we strive to deliver impactful content, we draw inspiration from these trailblazing professionals. We value their contributions and expertise which will inspire new generations to shape an even brighter future for the sector and help create a national media industry with global influence,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

WAM