The Dubai Media Council has emphasized that collaboration with the private sector, along with leading media organizations—be they local, regional, or global—is a fundamental pillar for achieving its objectives for the media sector in Dubai and the broader UAE in the upcoming phase.
The council also highlighted the exemplary relationships it shares with a variety of key media institutions across the region and globally. These partnerships demonstrate significant cooperation and a joint effort towards nurturing young talent, preparing them for careers in media through the transfer of professional knowledge and essential skills that enhance their chances of excelling in this field.
This statement was made during a visit organized by the council for a group of young media professionals to the headquarters of Edelman, a leading global communications and marketing firm, which included several students from the Higher Colleges of Technology specializing in digital media.
Saif Al-Suwaidi, Project Manager at the Dubai Media Council, explained that this visit aligns with the goals outlined in the “Emirati Media Talent Pledge” initiative launched by the council under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Second Deputy Ruler and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. He stated:
“The strategy for developing the media sector in Dubai fundamentally relies on youth, and the Dubai Media Council is working with partnership stakeholders to expand opportunities for their engagement and ensure their success and excellence.”
He further noted that Edelman’s support for the initiative reflects the awareness within private sector institutions regarding the youth’s role in shaping the future of media. The council is committed to empowering young people and ensuring their impactful presence in the media landscape. We are dedicated to discovering talents and providing them with professional training that prepares them for successful careers in the media industry.
Direct Engagement
During the visit, students gained firsthand insight into the dynamics of the private media sector and interacted directly with leading experts and professionals from Edelman, who possess the necessary experience in media training. This engagement equips aspiring talents with the tools required to become outstanding members of the media industry. The students were also introduced to the real working environment in media, enhancing their understanding of available career paths while fostering direct communication with industry professionals. This visit is part of the council’s strategy to prepare Emirati youth for entry into the media job market and encourage them to leverage opportunities in the private sector.
Saif Al-Suwaidi expressed gratitude to Edelman for hosting this visit and for its substantial support in providing valuable and comprehensive information to the participating students about contemporary working methods in communications and marketing, particularly in the digital arena, which presents unprecedented opportunities to reach target audiences globally.
Welcome
Omar Qurm, CEO of Edelman Middle East, welcomed the students and provided them with an overview of the company, its vision, and its core activities. He emphasized the company’s commitment to discovering and nurturing young talents, providing them with incentives for excellence in professional environments that ensure their success in the new media landscape. The company also addressed students’ inquiries, allowing them to gain insights from real-world professional experiences and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
The program included a tour of the company’s departments, enabling students to learn about daily tasks and the roles of various teams in different media fields. This experience enhanced their awareness of the nature of work in the private sector and expanded their professional horizons. The tour also provided students with insights into how teams execute media campaigns, develop content strategies, monitor trends, and manage digital platforms.
It is important to note that the “Emirati Media Talent Pledge” initiative is part of the Dubai Media Council’s efforts to establish a supportive environment for local media talents by providing practical learning opportunities and direct mentorship, aligning with a broader vision for building a competitive and sustainable media sector led by local youth.
The initiative focuses on forming strategic partnerships with major media entities that share Dubai’s vision and belief in the importance of motivating young people to engage in vital sectors that influence the future, with media being one of the most significant fields.
This includes the commitment of participating media companies and institutions to provide guidance, training, and job opportunities for promising Emirati media talents, including Emirati media students through intensive programs that ensure their excellence and equip them with the necessary experience to enter the media job market.
Saif Al-Suwaidi:
The strategy for developing the media sector in Dubai fundamentally relies on youth.
Edelman’s support reflects the awareness in the private sector of the youth’s role in shaping the future of media.