Media acts like the mirror of the world, eye of viewers on events in any corner of the world and a mouthpiece of people who have no spokesman, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Sunday.
While highlighting the constructive and objective message of media, Sheikh Mohammed asserted that the UAE doesn't only open its welcoming arm to media but also allows enough room for freedom of movement and work without any restrictions. He said that he believes in opinion and other opinion in order to come up with sound decision and opinion.
Sheikh Mohammed made his remarks during a meeting today at Dubai Government Media Office with Emmanuel Hoog, CEO of Agence France-Presse (AFP), in the attendance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed and Hoog reviewed an array of regional and international political, economic, and media issues and ways of energising the role of media in economic development and building bridges of communication between cultures of the world and its peoples.
The AFP chairman said he was impressed with Sheikh Mohammed's ideas, his media vision and his appreciation of the media establishments in relaying the picture and word to the viewers without bias or misleading of the public opinion.
He said the UAE is ranked among the most advanced countries regionally and internationally in terms of media, its technology and its noble message.
He marveled at the available potentials in the UAE and in particular in Dubai Media City which provides all logistical support for international media organisations which facilitates their regional and international operations. He also noted the infrastructure assets especially in communications, transport, services utilities along with spacious room of freedom which media persons enjoy away from routine.
The meeting was attended by wife of Sheikh Mohamed, HRH Princes Haya bint Al Hussein, Director General of Dubai Government Media Office, Ahmad Al Shaikh, Director General of Department of Protocol and Guesthouse, Khalifa Saeed Sulieman, AFP Middle East Regional Director Jean-Pierre, AFP Regional Director Mrs. Aseel Tabara, and AFP Global News Director Philippe Massonnet.