Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, convened with leaders of partner organisations involved in the ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ initiative at the Arab Media Summit 2024. The meeting focused on advancing the initiative’s objectives of empowering national talent and increasing their opportunities in the media sector, in line with the UAE’s vision and leadership’s commitment to Emiratisation.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Ahmed emphasised that it is a national responsibility to foster opportunities for Emirati talent and enhance their contributions to the nation’s media landscape. He underscored the importance of nurturing Emirati capabilities and enhancing the private sector’s role in driving sustainable growth across various sectors. During the meeting, he welcomed media companies that have joined the initiative, recognizing their support as vital for enabling young national talent in media development.
The ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ initiative is expanding, with recent additions such as Al Mashhad TV, Yango, and OSN network, bringing the total number of participating entities to over 30. Partner entities have expressed their commitment to the initiative’s objectives, praising the Dubai Media Council for enhancing opportunities for young Emiratis in the media sector.
Sheikh Ahmed witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dubai Media Council and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council to secure employment opportunities for Emirati media talent in the private sector. He commended the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council and the ‘Nafis Program’ for their role in strengthening national talent competitiveness and facilitating their access to private sector employment.
The MoU, signed by Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, and Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, aims to provide e
mployment opportunities for Emiratis in leading global media institutions. Ghannam Al Mazrouei expressed appreciation to Sheikh Ahmed for his support of Emiratisation in the media sector, aligning with the leadership’s vision to empower Emiratis.
Sheikh Ahmed stated that the partnership aims to offer employment opportunities for Emiratis in leading global media institutions, providing the private media sector with skilled national talent. Mona Al Marri highlighted that cooperation to support the ‘Nafis Program’ is a strategic step to empower Emirati talent to succeed in the media industry, preparing skilled professionals for the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The MoU establishes a framework for exchanging expertise, encouraging private media organisations to register on the ‘Nafis’ platform, and offering training and practical experiences for enrolled citizens. The two organisations will also collaborate on awareness workshops to further the partnership’s goals.
The ‘Emirati Media Talent Pledge’ aims to
develop promising national media talent in partnership with the private sector, equipping emerging talent, particularly media students, with skills needed to excel in the growing industry. This initiative will contribute to strengthening the emirate’s status as a global media hub.
