emirates7 - Emiratis once faced numerous obstacles when entering the media industry, but determination and foresight played a key role in shaping the vibrant media scene seen in the UAE today, said H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, during a session at the Arab Media Forum.
The discussion, titled ‘A Conversation with Pioneers of Media and Inspiration’, was moderated by Hamed bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan newspaper. The audience included prominent figures such as Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club; and Nehal Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council.
Looking back on his extensive career, Sheikh Hasher recounted how Dubai’s media journey began humbly with a two-person team at the municipal press office and grew into a regional hub for journalism, broadcasting, and digital innovation.
“Before the UAE was formed, the only newspaper in Dubai was Dubai News, a weekly issued by the municipality,” he explained. “It was just me and one colleague running the media division.”
This modest start, he said, laid the foundation for a more complex and influential media landscape. With the establishment of the UAE, national interest in media surged, leading to the expansion of Dubai News, which eventually introduced colour printing to the emirate.
Sheikh Hasher credited Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s early recognition of media’s significance, which led to investments in television and print media infrastructure. Over time, Dubai News became a daily publication, and Sheikh Hasher later went on to lead Al Bayan newspaper.
Describing that period as formative, he recalled managing both television broadcasts during the day and print media operations at night. “Our mornings began with editorial meetings reviewing rival papers like Al Khaleej and Al Ittihad, and our nights ended with planning the next day’s edition,” he said.
While celebrating the industry’s progress, Sheikh Hasher expressed concern over the global decline of traditional media such as newspapers and TV, due to the rise of digital and social platforms. He pointed out that many media institutions have not kept pace with technology and urged both print and broadcast sectors to modernise and innovate.
He also underscored the importance of media specialisation. “Journalists and broadcasters need to focus on specific beats — politics, economics, sports — to deliver in-depth, credible reporting. One of the ongoing challenges is assigning the right person to the right topic,” he noted.
To young people aspiring to enter media, he advised building a strong base through reading, research, and original content creation, rather than simply replicating existing work. He also encouraged the development of youth-led programmes that benefit society, stressing that media in the UAE should aim to serve cultural and societal goals beyond just commercial ones.
“I want to see media thrive in every dimension — not only in business, but in making a meaningful contribution to our community,” he said.
In another session titled ‘Dubai Film Pioneers with Matrook Nasser’, held as part of the Media Chats series in collaboration with Dubai Media Pioneers, veteran Emirati filmmaker Matrook Nasser shared his personal journey and advice for emerging talents.
Founder of a Dubai-based production company, Nasser traced his artistic beginnings to his school days, when a teacher first recognised his creative ability. He pursued film studies in the UK and later trained with global media companies. “For me, it wasn’t about titles,” he said. “It was about mastering every part of the craft.”
Nasser discussed building his production company from scratch while working with international producers, often putting in long hours. Those early experiences, he said, shaped his discipline and artistic approach.
He pointed out that although the UAE boasts a rising number of talented filmmakers, many need more time and training before calling themselves directors. “You need to know filming, lighting, editing — every detail matters. A diploma alone doesn’t mean you’re ready,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of technology, Nasser said AI has become a valuable tool in filmmaking, offering new creative possibilities in lighting, editing, and camera angles.
He wrapped up by encouraging young Emiratis to fully immerse themselves in every stage of film production — from editing and design to storytelling — in order to authentically capture the essence and heritage of Dubai through their work.
The discussion, titled ‘A Conversation with Pioneers of Media and Inspiration’, was moderated by Hamed bin Karam, Editor-in-Chief of Al Bayan newspaper. The audience included prominent figures such as Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club; and Nehal Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council.
Looking back on his extensive career, Sheikh Hasher recounted how Dubai’s media journey began humbly with a two-person team at the municipal press office and grew into a regional hub for journalism, broadcasting, and digital innovation.
“Before the UAE was formed, the only newspaper in Dubai was Dubai News, a weekly issued by the municipality,” he explained. “It was just me and one colleague running the media division.”
This modest start, he said, laid the foundation for a more complex and influential media landscape. With the establishment of the UAE, national interest in media surged, leading to the expansion of Dubai News, which eventually introduced colour printing to the emirate.
Sheikh Hasher credited Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s early recognition of media’s significance, which led to investments in television and print media infrastructure. Over time, Dubai News became a daily publication, and Sheikh Hasher later went on to lead Al Bayan newspaper.
Describing that period as formative, he recalled managing both television broadcasts during the day and print media operations at night. “Our mornings began with editorial meetings reviewing rival papers like Al Khaleej and Al Ittihad, and our nights ended with planning the next day’s edition,” he said.
While celebrating the industry’s progress, Sheikh Hasher expressed concern over the global decline of traditional media such as newspapers and TV, due to the rise of digital and social platforms. He pointed out that many media institutions have not kept pace with technology and urged both print and broadcast sectors to modernise and innovate.
He also underscored the importance of media specialisation. “Journalists and broadcasters need to focus on specific beats — politics, economics, sports — to deliver in-depth, credible reporting. One of the ongoing challenges is assigning the right person to the right topic,” he noted.
To young people aspiring to enter media, he advised building a strong base through reading, research, and original content creation, rather than simply replicating existing work. He also encouraged the development of youth-led programmes that benefit society, stressing that media in the UAE should aim to serve cultural and societal goals beyond just commercial ones.
“I want to see media thrive in every dimension — not only in business, but in making a meaningful contribution to our community,” he said.
In another session titled ‘Dubai Film Pioneers with Matrook Nasser’, held as part of the Media Chats series in collaboration with Dubai Media Pioneers, veteran Emirati filmmaker Matrook Nasser shared his personal journey and advice for emerging talents.
Founder of a Dubai-based production company, Nasser traced his artistic beginnings to his school days, when a teacher first recognised his creative ability. He pursued film studies in the UK and later trained with global media companies. “For me, it wasn’t about titles,” he said. “It was about mastering every part of the craft.”
Nasser discussed building his production company from scratch while working with international producers, often putting in long hours. Those early experiences, he said, shaped his discipline and artistic approach.
He pointed out that although the UAE boasts a rising number of talented filmmakers, many need more time and training before calling themselves directors. “You need to know filming, lighting, editing — every detail matters. A diploma alone doesn’t mean you’re ready,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of technology, Nasser said AI has become a valuable tool in filmmaking, offering new creative possibilities in lighting, editing, and camera angles.
He wrapped up by encouraging young Emiratis to fully immerse themselves in every stage of film production — from editing and design to storytelling — in order to authentically capture the essence and heritage of Dubai through their work.