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Dubai: The UAE Journalists Association (JA) will have new and permanent premises in Dubai and the Northern Emirates soon, as directed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday.
Shaikh Mohammad's orders to construct a permanent headquarters for the Journalists Association underscores his keenness to enable journalists to carry out their duties without any impediments, said a WAM statement on Tuesday.
Editors-in-Chief of local newspapers and media professionals have welcomed the decision of Shaikh Mohammad.
Shaikh Mohammad's orders to construct a permanent premise for the Journalists Association "will encourage journalists and JA's members to have a strong representation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates", said Mohammad Yousuf, Chairman of the association.
Yousuf said: "Shaikh Mohammad's decision brings more development to the media and makes it capable of growing side-by-side with the rise in press freedom in the UAE. Our leaders have given a fair margin of press freedom and currently we are waiting for the new publications law to be announced."
Yousuf did not specify the whereabouts of the new JA's headquarters, but he told Gulf News: "The new premises will contain a special centre for training journalists... we held recent talks with internationally renowned journalism coaches who will be training journalists on contemporary programmes and modern journalistic tools once the new premises becomes functional."
He said the upcoming premises will be a top-notch centre, equipped with sophisticated tools.
"The headquarters will be a meeting place amidst a social and professional environment. It will contain all the required facilities such as auditorium, library, computer centre, journalism training centre, sports and social facilities plus a cafeteria," he said.
Integrity of journalists
Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, hailed the decision and said: "It makes us journalists proud of the strong and continuous support we receive from the leaders of the country. This initiative from Shaikh Mohammad sends a strong message to society how he and leaders of the country appreciate the role of the press in the development of the country. I hope journalists make the best of the facilities and develop their capabilities by making use of libraries, training centre and lecture rooms and other facilities in the new premises."
Nevil Parker, Deputy Editor of Khaleej Times, said it's a very good initiative where journalists are concerned as he has always supported the press and its freedom. "Shaikh Mohammad has always supported the fact that journalists can do their work in a free environment and by setting up this location will definitely push the integrity of journalists to do their work in such a professional environment," added Parker.
Rashid Al Uraimi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad newspaper, said this decision didn't come as a surprise because it comes in line with Shaikh Mohammad's ongoing support to the media. "Many achievements stand evidence for his continuous support for the media and bolsters its role in public... besides his countless encouraging stances in supporting journalists and their work," added Al Uraimi.
Habib Al Sayyegh, Managing Editor and Bureau Chief of Abu Dhabi office of Arabic Al Khaleej, said this initiative is not an isolated incident but "must be seen within the framework of his generous support and unending care for the media".
The JA's Chairman said: "This generous gesture has encouraged us to have a strong representation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates through a modern premises through which we can discharge our duties and provide JA's members a convenient location."
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