Lootah: We depend on the media to support political growth in the UAE
The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MSFNCA) concluded its series of media training workshops launched in November 2008 and dedicated to strengthen its partnership with media personnel. The ministry held a special ceremony after the fifth and final event titled,” Local Media Coverage of FNC elections”, at Sharjah University premises recently.
Sami Bin Ouday, Director of Support Services at the MSFNCA, distributed certificates of appreciation to media personnel who participated in the five workshops.
His Excellency Tariq Lootah, Director General of the MSFNCA said: “We were keen to organise this programme as we believe in strengthening bonds with the media and share our thoughts and expertise in the political scene. We depend on the media institutions to play a bigger role in strengthening political growth and enhancing awareness in the UAE.â€
Lootah praised the media’s feedback on the series of workshops held, which reflected their high awareness level and interest in learning more techniques and styles to assist them in supporting political growth in the UAE. He added: “We thank the media for their contribution in developing our parliamentary experience. We wouldn’t have reached this far without their dedication to cover the FNC sessions with utmost professionalism and accuracy.”
He said that the ministry is committed to building a strategic partnership with media institutions based on interactivity, coordination and sharing views. Lootah said the whole process aims at improving parliamentarian life at all levels and with all community members.
The last session highlighted the local media’s coverage of FNC elections. It presented attendees with a comprehensive study on the coverage that appeared about the elections during December 2006 in four local journals -3 in Arabic and 1 in English – namely, Al Ittihad, Al Khaleej, Al Bayan and Gulf News. The study also included the methodological and theoretical aspects of the research, results as well as recommendations.
About Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs
The Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MSFNCA) was founded under Federal Decree No. (10) for the year 2006. A milestone for the UAE, MSFNCA reflects the vision of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in shaping a new political culture for the country and further strengthening the political framework.
The ministry will be responsible for promoting participatory political practices among citizens of the UAE and propose actions to enhance the role of the FNC and co-ordinate its work with the Federal Government. MSFNCA participates in establishing legislations related to the role of the FNC and supervises media activities in relation to the FNC.
