Al Bayan's 30 years a 'beacon of opinion, dialogue and thinking'

Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) yesterday marked 30th anniversary of its Al Bayan Arabic language newspaper at an event organised at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

On arrival, Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated Al Bayan Photo Exhibition. He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Dubai Ruler and Chairman of DMI; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hammad Al Sharqi, Fujairah Crown Prince; Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ajman Crown Prince; other sheikhs and high-ranking officials.

The exhibition included old and new photographs on the activities and occasions witnessed by the UAE in economic, sports, cultural and urban fields since the era of founding fathers to date.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his admiration for the photographs, being an archive to record the events for successive generations. He congratulated the Al Bayan family on the occasion, pledging unlimited support to the media and media persons. He also watched a documentary film about the progress of Al Bayan, which issued the first copy on May 10, 1980.

Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh, Board Member and Managing Director of DMI, welcomed Sheikh Mohammed and the guests. He narrated the development story of Al Bayan, which he described as a "beacon for opinions, dialogue and thinking", adding that it has been carrying news with honesty and impartiality for over the past three decades.

He also thanked Sheikh Maktoum for his personal follow up of the work details, indicating that since 2008 until March this year, Al Bayan's printing volume increased 30 per cent as the number of subscribers rose by 65 per cent.

Al Shaikh noted that Al Bayan was the first Arab newspaper to be published in full colour. It has bagged many Arab and international awards.

Sheikh Mohammed was presented gifts by Al Shaikh and Dhaen Shaheen, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan, on behalf of the DMI. The Vice-President also attended a dinner hosted by DMI on the occasion.

Riyadh visit

Sheikh Mohammed will leave today for Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. He is heading a high profile UAE delegation to the Consultative Summit of the leaders of Gulf Co-operation Council.

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