Dubai: The UAE Journalists Association organised a Ramadan dialogue evening, hosted by the council of His Excellency Dr. Youssef Al-Sherif in Dubai, under the title "The UAE Media Narrative in Light of Global Transformations... A National Vision and Media Responsibility," with the participation of a select group of journalists, academics, and experts.
The evening was attended by His Excellency Fadila Al-Ma'ini, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Journalists Association, His Excellency Dr. Youssef Al-Sharif, the sports writer and historian Mohammed Al-Joker, the lawyer Dr. Aliaa Al-Amiri, Dr. Aisha Abdul Noor Al-Junaibi, a writer, trainer, and family affairs coach, Dr. Jamal Al-Saidi, the Senior Advisor at the UAE Safe Internet Association, and the media figure Ahmed Al-Taheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Media Verse Network for Artificial Intelligence, in addition to a wide attendance of journalists, academics, and intellectuals.

The evening, which was moderated by Her Excellency Fadila Al-Muaini, addressed the status of national media in light of rapid geopolitical and technological transformations, and the importance of building a strategic media narrative that reflects the vision of the United Arab Emirates and enhances its regional and international presence.

In her opening speech, she emphasised that the media narrative is no longer an intellectual luxury or a rhetorical choice, but has become a sovereign tool and a key element of comprehensive national power in a world where countries compete through mental imagery as much as through economy and politics.

She pointed out that the UAE has succeeded in building a balanced media model that combines professionalism and belonging, openness to the world while preserving national constants, based on a leadership vision that believes in media as a partner in development and awareness-building, not just a transmitter of events.

The evening discussed several key topics, including the concept of media narrative in the Emirati context, the distinction between managing crises through media and building a long-term strategic narrative capable of sustainability and impact, as well as the influence of digital platforms and artificial intelligence in shaping public opinion, and the transformations imposed by the open media environment on the credibility of media discourse.

The participants also touched on the importance of preempting counter-narratives and shifting from reaction to initiative by developing monitoring and strategic analysis tools, and enhancing integration between media institutions, research centers, and decision-makers.
The evening highlighted the journalist's responsibility in achieving a balance between professionalism and national loyalty, and maintaining credibility amidst polarisation and the rapid flow of information, emphasising that protecting the truth and shaping meaning have become integral parts of the contemporary role of the media.

The evening concluded with a series of recommendations, the most prominent of which were adopting a proactive approach in building the national media narrative, investing in developing journalists' skills in strategic analysis and modern technologies, enhancing the integration between media, diplomacy, and knowledge institutions, and transitioning from merely reporting events to shaping direction and crafting meaning.

Her Excellency Fadila Al-Muaini concluded the evening by emphasising that the next phase requires a deeper awareness of the nature of global transformations, and a national media capable of representing the UAE's vision with confidence and responsibility, thereby enhancing its international standing and preserving its image for future generations.