The rapid development in telecommunications technology requires us to identify a clear approach to utilise it in serving Arab societies, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has said. 

Sheikh Mohammed made the remarks on Wednesday while meeting a group of prominent Arab social media influencers on the sidelines of the 15th Arab Media Forum in Dubai. 

He expressed the hope that all Arabs will benefit from the opportunities available to champion values of positivity and optimism and to promote moderate and enlightened thoughts. 

"Spreading values of peace, amity and tolerance will close doors in the face of the hate mongers and the evil forces that attempt to sell their destructive thoughts. Should they manage to use the exposure opportunities facilitated by the social media, the forces of darkness will keep trying to brainwash young generations about thoughts that are totally alien to the teachings of our tolerant religion," Sheikh Mohammed stated. 

He called for blocking the road before the deviant thinking through positivity, optimism and tolerance. 

Sheikh Mohammed praised the idea of 'influencers discussion', organised by the Arab Social Media Network, an initiative of the Dubai, which helps motivate the Arab youth to come up with creative ideas, applicable through the social media and to publish the inspirational success stories. 

The Arab influencers thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the interest shown in their discussion, saying that most of the ideas presented during the events were inspired by his vision and approach for positivity as a key pillar for development and by the goal he set for the UAE government strategy to spread happiness among the people. 

The Arab influencers discussion was held on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit and included open dialogue and a brainstorming session. – Emirates News Agency, WAM –