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Arab media needs to focus on humanitarian causes

Dubai - Giving the keynote address at the forum, Princess Haya noted that regional developments have had a detrimental impact on the Arab World, and urged the media to do more to focus on positive stories.

 Speakers at the opening day of the 15th edition of the Arab Media Forum have called for the creation of 'humanitarian media' in the Arab world.
The forum - which is being attended by thousand of the region's and the world's most prominent media personalities - was graced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Princess Haya bint Hussein, wife of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City, and Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, other Shaikhs and senior officials.
Giving the keynote address at the forum, Princess Haya noted that regional developments have had a detrimental impact on the Arab World, and urged the media to do more to focus on positive stories.
Taking the example of Shaikh Mohammed, she said that despite his prominence, he still visits shopping centres alone and unguarded, has fixed a woman's broken-down car, and reads stories to orphans. "Social media brings us these great stories," she said. "It is not strange to see similar acts in the UAE."
Additionally, she called on the media to "be professional", but noted that, in return, "we should give media its due rights".
Another keynote speaker, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Nasser Judeh, called for media to play a greater role for good in the region.
"Media has to play a role in countering terrorism and extremism," he said. "Electronic revolution is a double-sided tool that can be used for good or bad," he said, adding that Arab media has evolved and needs to do more to highlight humanitarian causes.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com