No restriction on news, says Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday night hosted top media personalities, who paid him a courtesy call on the occasion of Ramadan.

Editors-in-Chief and top media professionals from the UAE, the region and beyond, congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on the advent of the holy month and wished him good health.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, ministers and top officials, were also present at the media gathering.

Sheikh Mohammed was introduced to the doyens of journalism by Ahmad Al Shaikh, Media Escort to His Highness and Managing Director of Dubai Media Inc.

In an extended informal session, Sheikh Mohammed discussed local, regional and international media issues with the large gathering at Zabeel Palace.

 The talks focused on the freedom of expression and constructive criticism.

"Our achievements complement those of fellow Arab countries. The prominence gained by the UAE is a prominence for all Arabs," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the concerned authorities in the UAE do not impose any restrictions on information or news about economic and financial issues.

"My directives to these authorities are clear and beyond any questioning, as we rely on candour and transparency. We strongly believe that media is the mirror of the nation. It has a noble message to disseminate and to enlighten the public, away from exaggeration, bias and distortion of facts. Media is the nation's voice. The sun cannot be blocked by a sieve," he added.

The media paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed for his support , considering his encouragement and follow ups as a big catalyst to them to exert more creative efforts
to enhance the local and regional media scene.

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