Fujairah Ruler stresses role of positive media in society

His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, received a group of prominent media professionals from across the UAE, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, along with well-wishers marking the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Hamad affirmed that media in the present era has become one of the most important tools of soft power due to its pivotal role in conveying knowledge and enhancing societal awareness, in addition to contributing to the consolidation of professional responsibility and transparency in addressing various issues and public affairs.

He stressed that the UAE, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has established the values of media freedom alongside heightened responsibility among media professionals.

Sheikh Hamad noted that responsible media constitutes a fundamental pillar in providing accurate information from reliable sources and explaining facts objectively, without exaggeration or being drawn into rumours, which strengthens society’s trust in sources of knowledge and reinforces a sense of reassurance and stability in the public consciousness.

Sheikh Hamad also underscored the importance of awareness and responsibility when dealing with content circulating across various platforms and verifying the credibility of information before publishing or sharing it, particularly in light of the rapid spread of news through social media platforms.

He emphasised that positive media will remain a key partner in enhancing societal reassurance and strengthening public awareness.

Separately, in a recent development, the Arab Media Union called for heightened vigilance and rigorous verification of information sources before dissemination, particularly under current circumstances.

The Union warned of the significant risks posed by misinformation, misleading rumors, and fabricated news, characterising them as tools employed by parties seeking to incite discord, disrupt social peace, and undermine stability.

In a statement, the Union noted that the rapid flow of information in the modern era imposes a profound ethical and national responsibility on all individuals regarding the content they consume and publish.

The organisation strongly cautioned against the influence of “electronic committees” and fraudulent accounts that spread falsehoods to distort facts, asserting that such networks serve narrow agendas designed to create confusion and damage national unity.

The Union emphasised the necessity of sourcing facts from legitimate channels and official government institutions that maintain high standards of professionalism and credibility.

It further cautioned against underestimating the impact of circulating false information, reiterating that national and moral responsibility rests with every individual.

In this context, Dr Ahmed Noor, President of the Arab Media Union, commended the pioneering role of the United Arab Emirates.

He noted that the UAE utilises advanced media professionalism and technological expertise to safeguard its security and protect its citizens and residents.

Noor added that the UAE’s commitment to shielding society from internal or external threats serves as a regional and global model, reflecting a leadership vision dedicated to preserving national achievements and ensuring public well-being.

Recently, UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi warned against photographing, publishing, or circulating images and videos documenting incident sites or damage resulting from the fall of projectiles or shrapnel.

He stressed that disseminating such materials or inaccurate information can incite public panic and create a false impression of the country’s actual situation.

Al Shamsi affirmed that competent state institutions are performing their duties with high efficiency to ensure community security. He noted that daily life continues normally while necessary measures are taken to manage developments.

WAM