A delegation from the UAE’s official news agency, Emirates News Agency (WAM), led by its Director-General,Mr. Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi discussed ways to increase media cooperation and news exchange with various US media institutions and think tanks.
The discussions came as part of the WAM delegation’s visit to several American media and research outlets to expand partnerships with prominent international media entities that aim to promote the UAE’s cultural and humanitarian message worldwide.
Mr. Al Rayssi stated that the visit associated with WAM’s strategy to boost media and research cooperation with key international media institutions, especially in the US, to contribute to promoting the UAE’s cultural and humanitarian achievements globally, in line with the “Principles of the 50”.
The delegation also invited these institutions to participate in the first edition of the Global Media Congress organized by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) and the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in Abu Dhabi in the second week of November 2022.
The US media and research institutions praised the Global Media Congress, for its focus on ways to address the challenges faced by the global media industry. They expressed interest in attending the event and participating in its session.
The delegation started its tour by visiting the international affairs think-tank, Atlantic Council, based in Washington. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance research cooperation in various fields, including the council’s endeavors to detect and explain misinformation “where and when it occurs.”
The delegation also visited Washington-based American newspaper and digital media company ‘The Hill’, the largest independent political news site in the United States, in 2020. Focusing on politics, policy, business, and international relations, The Hill’s coverage includes the U.S. Congress, the presidency and executive branch, and election campaigns.
The delegation during the IBM Innovation Studio visit
The delegation also met with Mr. David Greenhalgh, Vice President of the US-UAE Business Council, and deliberated the council’s role in enhancing economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The discussion addressed the promising investment opportunities offered by the Emirati media sector as part of the country’s economic visions for the next 50 years, encouraging legislation, and advanced digital infrastructure that promotes the growth of the media sector through perfect utilization of technology, including AI and IoT.
Mr. Greenhalgh lauded the diverse and rapid developments in the UAE, especially in the media sector, saying that it would play a crucial role in promoting the country’s investment-friendly environment and motivate international companies to gain a leading position in the region through the UAE.
Mr. Greenhalgh also praised the UAE’s success in hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, which reflects the remarkable potential and extraordinary capabilities of the country.
The delegation visited the leading Axios platform, the well-known media outlet for high-quality journalism with an audience of influential subscribers. Both sides reviewed ways to improve media cooperation and communication in the light of recent trends shaping the media industry and the role of new technology is changing the way the public uses the news.
During the meeting, Mr. Al Rayssi stated that “The UAE and the US share solid and steadily growing strategic relations in various fields thanks to the support provided by the two countries’ leadership.”
Citing the recent inauguration of Dubai’s the Museum of the Future as a world-class architectural icon, Mr. Al Rayssi added that, “With its extensive expertise, able and efficient capabilities and global influence, the UAE media sector is able to significantly highlight the country’s trendsetting achievements and stature in strategic fields.”
The WAM Director-General added that he expects US media participation in the Global Media Congress to be held in November to enhance international media cooperation between the UAE and the whole world.
At the end of the visit, Al Rayssi thanked the UAE Embassy in Washington for providing the necessary support to the WAM delegation.
