Dubai: The UAE Journalists Association signed a cooperation agreement with Zayed University, aiming to build a strategic partnership in the fields of vocational training and developing journalistic skills among students and those interested in media work.

The agreement stems from both sides' commitment to developing young talent, including students and graduates, enabling them to keep pace with the changing landscape of the modern media landscape and leverage the technological potential offered by the digital transformation in the content industry.

The agreement was signed by Fadhila Al Muaini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Journalists Association, and Dr. Michael Allan, Acting President of Zayed University, in the presence of several members of the Board of Directors and a group of academic and media figures from both sides.

Under the agreement, the Emirates Journalists Association will host Zayed University students at its Media Creativity Center for practical training within an integrated environment supervised by a group of specialized media professionals and trainers. This will provide opportunities to develop skills in program preparation and presentation, podcast production, photography and videography, editing, and design, using the latest digital work tools and technologies.

The agreement also stipulates the implementation of joint projects between the two parties in the media field, including the organization of practical workshops, advanced training courses, and academic discussion groups that highlight the most prominent professional challenges and transformations in the media industry at the local and international levels. This will enable the integration of academic and practical aspects, enhancing opportunities for students and researchers to actively participate in media production and keep pace with labor market requirements.

This agreement is part of a series of strategic partnerships the Emirates Journalists Association continues to sign with a number of entities. This partnership is part of its vision to enhance cooperation in support of the national media, and its strategy for the years 2025–2028, which focuses on discovering talent and promoting sustainability in the national media sector, in addition to activating the role of the Media Creativity Center as a training and research platform dedicated to honing competencies and professionally qualifying them.

Fadhila Al Muaini said: "Through this partnership, we seek to provide a stimulating training environment that supports the careers of media students and refines their knowledge and professional skills in accordance with labor market mechanisms." She added that the collaboration with Zayed University represents an important step in the path of cooperation between educational institutions and media organizations, enhancing the efficiency of national cadres and supporting aspirations for influential media committed to the values ​​of the profession.

At the conclusion, commemorative shields were exchanged, and both parties affirmed their commitment to implementing the terms of the agreement and monitoring its outcomes through coordination and technical committees, ensuring the quality of training and achieving the desired objectives.