Minister participates in Arab Media Forum

Dubai, Mar. 28 (BNA): Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi emphasised that the media and communication sector in our Arab region is currently facing a real problem posed by the tremendous volume of channels and media in the absence of an effective media industry. It is a collective concern shared at the Arab region’s level that makes it imperative to seek an influential industry in this vital sector, he said. The minister on Thursday participated in the Arab Media Forum’s opening session held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktou, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and themed "Arab Media: The Reality and Future". Al Rumaihi stressed that every Arab official must be a key player in the media sector in view of its likely negative impact in the absence of media influencers. The minister said that HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one of the most influential leaders in the region and the world being a role model to be emulated in development and direct interaction with the media. He praised His Highness’s leading initiatives in the various fields as well as his keenness on boosting the joint Arab media work and his support by all available means to the welfare and prosperity of the region. The minister pointed out that the expenditure on the media industry today is not less that the expenditure on military industries, that makes this sector the principal frontline to defend the capabilities of countries and safeguard their security and stability as well as boost their national identity and cultural affinity. He stressed that (hostile) media channels have continued to meddle in our internal affairs in order to undermine our security or divide our societies to achieve their (malicious) objectives. We could thwart all such attempts thanks to Allah’s grace by clinging to our true Arab principles and values that distinguish and bind us together as Arab peoples and preserved our national unity.