Dubai: The UAE Journalists Association celebrated its 26th anniversary at its headquarters in Dubai, under the slogan "The Word... "Trust and Responsibility," on an occasion that recalled a journey full of achievements made by Emirati media over the past years, and highlighted the association's role in establishing journalistic professionalism and preserving the national memory of the media, with the presence of a select group of journalists and intellectuals.

The celebration included a documentary exhibition that reviewed the stages of development of Emirati media from the establishment of the first press institutions to the present day, thru photos, documents, and manuscripts that documented the efforts of journalists in covering national events and keeping up with economic and social transformations. The exhibition also highlighted the achievements made by the United Arab Emirates in the field of media.
The exhibition provided visitors with the opportunity to explore pivotal moments in the history of Emirati media and to learn about the contributions of journalists in serving the community and promoting values of professionalism and objectivity. It also included a documentary narration of the most prominent initiatives launched by the association to develop the media sector, including training programs and workshops aimed at enhancing journalistic skills, as well as projects to document and preserve the national media history for future generations.
Fadila Al-Muaini, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Journalists Association, expressed her deep appreciation for the continuous support provided by the wise leadership of the state to the media and journalists. She affirmed that this support has contributed to enhancing the media journey in the country, raising the level of journalistic professionalism, and providing an environment conducive to journalistic creativity and innovation, making the UAE a model to be emulated in responsible and professional media at both regional and international levels.

She said: "The unlimited support from the wise leadership reflects their recognition of the importance of media in building societal awareness and shaping the future, and it enhances the role of journalists in conveying the civilized image of the United Arab Emirates and delivering its message to the world in the best possible way."
She said that the celebration of the 26th anniversary of the association's establishment is an important milestone to reflect on national achievements and to highlight the journalists who played a pivotal role in building the Emirati media journey and instilling the values of professionalism and objectivity.

She added that the slogan of the celebration, "The Word... "Integrity and Responsibility" is not just a phrase, but a steadfast principle that the association strives to embody in its various activities, ensuring the transmission of truth, enhancing community awareness, and maintaining professional standards in different journalistic working conditions.
During her speech at the ceremony, Fadila Al-Muaini announced that the Board of Directors of the UAE Journalists Association decided to exempt a number of distinguished members from the membership renewal fees that have been overdue for a long time, in appreciation of their outstanding contributions and continuous services to the association. This decision is part of a package of initiatives and qualitative services aimed at enhancing the active participation of members in the association's activities and programs.

She also announced the launch of two qualitative initiatives, namely the "Headline and Cover Museum" and the "Feather and Shadow Hall," in a move that confirms that journalism is not just an archive of events, but a national memory, a witness to transformations, and a bridge connecting the past with the future.

She explained that the launch of the museum comes in response to an urgent need to document the Emirati journalistic memory, affirming that "the headline" and "the cover" have never been mere titles, but have formed a mirror of the era and a witness to national and humanitarian transformations. Preserving them is preserving the path of collective consciousness and documenting the milestones that shaped public opinion and accompanied the state's journey.

She added, "The museum presents journalism as a complete story, not just a passing news item. When the new generation looks at the front pages and pivotal covers, they understand how the media moment was created and how the discourse was shaped, which enhances the culture of critical reading and deepens the concept of media responsibility." She pointed out that the "Feather and Shadow Hall" celebrates the art of journalistic drawing and caricature, as one of the most capable arts of intense and deep expression, where major issues are summarized with line, shadow, and a clever message, complementing the journalistic word without competing with it, remaining an integral part of the media scene.
She affirmed that the launch of the two initiatives falls within the mission of the UAE Journalists Association, which is not limited to professional support but extends to preserving the media heritage and opening new horizons for creativity and cultural expression, in line with the vision of the UAE, which sees culture and knowledge as a sustainable investment in people and the future.

The head of the association expected a wide interaction from journalists, artists, and researchers, as well as the general public in the upcoming period, affirming that these initiatives address memory and sentiment, and open a space for dialog between generations and between the past and the present, in a manner that combines both the cognitive and esthetic dimensions simultaneously, emphasizing that the message is clear... Media is culture, and preserving its history is an integral part of building the future. When we celebrate the headline and the pen, we celebrate awareness, responsibility, and beauty as a fundamental human value.

She concluded her speech by affirming that the UAE Journalists Association is continuing to strengthen its media partnerships locally and internationally, expand training and qualification programs for journalists, while maintaining its pioneering role in documenting national achievements and preserving the journalistic memory that constitutes an integral part of the country's history.

The celebration included documentary segments during which several journalists who contributed to covering national events over the years shared their testimonies, experiences, and memories in the media field, highlighting the challenges they faced and the efforts they made to uphold the message of journalism and serve the community.