Dubai: A new non-profit and independent International Centre to Combat Media Disinformation (ICCMD) has been officially launched, marking the establishment of the first international Arab institution dedicated to combating media disinformation and promoting information integrity.

The announcement was made by Sultan Al Hosani, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Press and Media – Netherlands, who said the centre aims to strengthen media integrity, promote a culture of fact-checking, and develop professional solutions to address the growing challenges posed by the digital media landscape.

Al Hosani said the ICCMD was established in response to the rapid changes affecting the global media environment. The centre will serve as an international platform bringing together media professionals and experts to develop professional standards, conduct research, build institutional capacity, and foster international cooperation to protect the credibility of information and support responsible journalism.

Distinguished Arab Media Leaders Appointed to Board

The organization also announced the formation of the centre’s inaugural Board of Directors, chaired by Isa Al Shaiji, President of the Bahrain Journalists Association.

The board includes prominent Arab media leaders:

• Dr. Younes Moujahid, media sociology expert and President of Nahj Foundation for Studies and Communication (Morocco)
• Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Arimi, President of the Oman Journalists Association
• Tareq Al Momani, President of the Jordan Press Association
• Fadila Al Muaini, President of the UAE Journalists Association
• Rabia Hussein Makki Al Jumaa, Board Member and Director of the Kuwait Journalists Association
• Fawaz Ahmed Suleiman, Executive Director of the Bahrain Journalists Association

The organization said the composition of the board reflects its commitment to drawing on the expertise of leading Arab media professionals to strengthen the centre’s ability to build strategic partnerships and launch initiatives with regional and international impact.

Promoting Fact-Checking and Responsible Journalism

The ICCMD will focus on monitoring and analysing media content, verifying information, developing professional standards and guidelines, conducting research and specialised studies, delivering training and capacity-building programmes, and strengthening cooperation with media organisations, academic institutions, research centres, and international organisations.

Its mission is to reinforce media integrity, increase public trust in information, and support professional journalism based on accuracy, transparency, and independence.

A Strategic Step for the Arab Media Sector

Speaking on the occasion, Board Chairman Isa Al Shaiji described the launch of the centre as a strategic milestone in establishing a specialised international platform that promotes media integrity, strengthens fact-checking practices, and supports responsible journalism in addressing the challenges facing today's global media environment.

He said the centre would prioritise developing professional solutions, producing specialised studies and reports, establishing media standards, expanding training programmes, and enhancing cooperation with regional and international partners.

UAE Journalists Association Welcomes Initiative

Fadila Al Muaini, President of the UAE Journalists Association and a member of the ICCMD Board, welcomed the launch of the centre, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening professional journalism and promoting a culture of verification in the face of increasing digital misinformation.

She expressed pride in joining the Board of Directors, saying the appointment represents both an honour and a responsibility to help build a specialised Arab institution dedicated to combating media disinformation, improving fact-checking tools, and raising public awareness about the importance of responsible media content.

Al Muaini added that the UAE Journalists Association remains committed to supporting initiatives that uphold journalistic ethics, enhance professional standards, and keep pace with digital transformation, stressing that responsible journalism remains the first line of defence against rumours and misinformation.