Uniting through Arab media

he Arab Media Forum (AMF) theme “Civil Dialogue” is a laudable effort by the UAE to further promote a peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect for all nations. I feel a tool to act as a catalytic accelerator to this process is important. The UAE is at the forefront of the rapidly growing and developing digital technology in media, which can play a very important positive role in promoting a civil dialogue.

My suggestion is that UAE’s influencers, national leaders, business leaders and media barons seriously consider a digital television channel on Emirati-Arab culture, heritage and tradition. The enterprise can be both privately owned and state supported in English to target Western countries like the US, the UK, Europe and Australia. Gradually, neighbouring Arab nations would laud the effort and be inclined to join hands to strengthen the historical and cultural bonds. Creating awareness, knowledge and understanding would be the most important and critical factor in projection of the true Arab image in the West. In the not very distant future, it would become one of the most potent instruments of change to make a difference in the prevailing atmosphere of racism, hatred and prejudice. There can be nothing more catalytic than enriching civil dialogue between nations.

A forerunner to Dubai’s Expo 2020, a true portrayal of the festivals, of tourism growth, hospitality, realty development, medical tourism, environment preservation, ease of business and an exemplary safe and comfortable lifestyle, combined with outstanding unique positive factors, would naturally contribute to generating peace and unity in the region and in the rest of the world. I am sure the visionaries with their foresightedness in this nation will bring forth a strong force of thinkers and doers to give life to this concept.