As part of the General Secretariat of the Arab Journalism Award’s (AJA) annual meetings focused on strengthening ties with Arab media organisations, the Dubai Press Club (DPC)has commenced a series of virtual meetings with heads of prominent media organisations, editors-in-chief and representatives of national media bodies and press unions in the Arab world.

The remotely organised meetings are aimed at exploring new joint initiatives to enhance the performance of Arab media in line with DPC’s objective of enhancing the role of media in the region’s development and raising standards of excellence in the industry. The engagement programme commenced with two meetings with industry leaders in Tunisia and Morocco.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, President of the Dubai Press Club and Secretary-​General of the Arab Journalism Award said: “The meetings reflect the close ties between DPC and media organisations across the Arab world as well as the Club’s efforts to bolster cooperation to foster regional media development. The meetings denote our keenness to enhance dialogue and knowledge exchange with the industry and identify new opportunities for promoting innovation and excellence.”

“Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DPChas worked to strengthen its ties with leading media organisations both in the region and across the world.We are keen to continue engaging with industry leaders and participating in discussions to enhance the region’s media and its ability to keep pace with rapid changes,” Al Marri added.

DPC is organising these meetings remotely in view of current global challenges due to COVID-19. DPC’s previous annual engagement programmes have seen it hold extensive meetings with media industry leaders across the region to discuss the challenges facing the Arab world, she said.

The President of Dubai Press Club said the virtual meetings will address a range of topics including further streamlining the Arab Journalism Award’s nomination process as per international best practice, enhancing the capabilities of media professionals and developing joint initiatives that will strengthen the UAE and Dubai’s ties with Arab countries and their media organisations.

Younis Mujahid, President of the National Council of Press in Morocco, thanked DPC for organising the virtual meetings which discussed common goals and strategies and explored new areas for cooperation.He also welcomed the ideas presented during the meetings, noting that the engagements will contribute to enhancing the regional media sector.

KawtharZentor, Editor-in-Chief of AcharaaAl MagharibiNewspaper,highlighted the importance of the meetings in strengthening ties between the media in both countries and enhancing knowledge exchange between media professionals.

Sofian Rajab, Editor-in-Chief of Tunisia’s Al-SabahNewspaper, said: “The meeting organised by DPC offered an opportunity to share our perspectives and ideas with the UAE media and will help us work more closely to establish cooperation in the regional media industry.”

Maitha Buhumaid, Director of the Dubai Press Club, said DPC is keen to foster greater engagement and collaboration in the Arab world’s media sector. The current set of meetings have received an exceptional response from various Arab media leaders and media organisations, she added, noting that the upcoming engagements will be held with the participation of other Arab countries.