The Education, Cultural, Youth, Sports and Media Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, FNC, held its first operational meeting during the third ordinary session of its 16th legislative chapter, at the headquarters of the FNC General Secretariat in Dubai.

During the meeting, the committee members elected its chairman and rapporteur: according to Article 52 of the FNC statute. Naema Abdullah Al Sharhan was elected as chairperson and Hamad Ahmed Al Rahoumi as rapporteur.

The committee also discussed the policies of the National Media Council, NMC, during the meeting, after approving its work plan to discuss the subject.

Al Sharhan stated that the committee has reviewed certain technical information on the subject and added that it will discuss various aspects of the NMC’s policy, including its role in updating and developing media legislation, the Emiratisation of media personnel while supporting them and promoting their national identity and positive behaviour, as well as the NMC’s role in regulating various publishing outlets and interacting with foreign communities in the UAE.

She also highlighted the importance of the media’s role in strengthening and promoting the country’s national identity among citizens through the media.

Al Sharhan stressed that the members of the committee affirmed that the media should contribute to achieving the strategic goals of the UAE Vision 2021, as well as implement the comprehensive vision of the wise leadership, especially in relation to tolerance while promoting the culture of giving around the world and the development of the media’s messages, to serve the community and fulfil its aspirations.

Hamad Ahmed Al Rahoumi, Committee Rapporteur:, said that the committee is discussing the policy of the NMC due to its importance, especially in the current period which is witnessing the growing and influential role of the media, to support the UAE while major developments are taking place, including model projects and initiatives that aim to implement the future vision of the wise leadership of building and advancing the country.