The UAE is making big moves to improve its media sector, and it’s putting Emirati talent at the heart of it.
The Federal National Council (FNC) has put forward a set of important recommendations to improve the UAE’s media landscape and better reflect the country’s culture, values, and identity.

During a recent meeting in Abu Dhabi, the FNC discussed ways to enhance the national media’s role in promoting Emirati identity and ensuring high-quality content. The session was attended by key officials, including Minister Abdulrahman Al Owais and Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and the UAE Media Council.

Key Goals: More Emiratis in Media and Stronger Oversight

One of the main focuses was increasing Emirati representation in leadership roles across media organisations, both public and private. The FNC also recommended using experienced Emirati media professionals as mentors and trainers.

Other suggestions included working closely with universities to prepare students for modern media jobs, and updating academic programmes to match the real-world needs of the media industry.

The FNC also called for clearer roles and responsibilities between media outlets, and for stronger leadership from the National Media Office to guide and unify media efforts across the country.

Cultural Accuracy in Media Matters

FNC member Naema Al Sharhan raised concerns about the incorrect use of Emirati symbols, language, and clothing in media. She urged for more respect and accuracy in how the UAE’s culture is portrayed.

In response, Al Hamed confirmed that actions were taken against past violations. A new policy now requires that anyone speaking in the Emirati dialect about national projects must be an Emirati and wear traditional dress.

Fighting Harmful Content and Supporting Good Media

The UAE Media Council revealed it had blocked over 9,000 pieces of harmful media content in 2024 and conducted more than 6,600 inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. It also approved 149 TV shows, films, and plays that align with national values.

To involve the public, a new national platform is being developed where residents can report media violations. The aim is to protect the community from misleading or inappropriate content and promote responsible media.

More Emiratis in Media Jobs

One of the FNC’s main goals is to see more Emiratis in leadership positions across TV, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms. They also want to prepare the next generation of local media professionals by providing training, mentorship, and real-world experience.

Experienced UAE media figures will be brought in as trainers and advisors to guide newcomers and help shape the country’s media future.

The government is actively encouraging young Emiratis to join the media sector. At least 60 nationals have recently graduated through special training programmes, and a committee of 50 experts is helping build a stronger media system for the future.

Efforts are also being made to improve public awareness, especially among the youth, about how the media works and how to use it responsibly.

(Source: Wam)

Get ready to lace up! Registration is officially open for the 25th edition of the Dubai Marathon, set to take place on February 1, 2026. Marking a major milestone, the iconic race is celebrating its silver jubilee with special events, elite competition, and a global gathering of runners.

As the Middle East’s oldest international road race, the Dubai Marathon has become a standout on the world running calendar, drawing elite athletes and amateurs from more than 140 countries. Held with the continued backing of the Dubai Sports Council, the race is known for its flat, fast course, perfect for personal bests and record-breaking performances.

The Dubai Marathon made history as the first race in the region to earn World Athletics’ Gold Label status, and it’s no stranger to big moments. Legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie famously recorded the second-fastest marathon time ever during his debut in Dubai back in 2008 — a performance that helped cement the race’s global reputation.

In addition to the full 42.195 km marathon, the 2026 event will also include a 10 km road race and a 4 km fun run, making it accessible for runners of all ages and fitness levels.

The Dubai Sports Council emphasised the marathon’s importance to the city’s international sporting profile and its positive impact on tourism and hospitality. Now ranked among the top 10 marathons worldwide, the event continues to attract top-tier talent and thousands of passionate runners each year.

Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing a podium finish or a casual runner looking to be part of something special, the 2026 Dubai Marathon promises to be a race to remember.

For more info and to register, visit dubaimarathon.org.

In a significant move to enhance student safety, the UAE has mandated that all school buses be fitted with automatic fire suppression systems. The new rule, which took effect on April 15, aims to safeguard around 500,000 children during their daily commutes by ensuring rapid fire detection and extinguishing capabilities, particularly in high-risk areas like engine compartments.

Under this regulation, any school bus that is not equipped with a certified system approved by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) will no longer be eligible for permit issuance or renewal.

Broader Implementation Beyond School Buses

Although the initial focus is on school transport, the regulation extends to a wide range of buses operating in the UAE. This includes all new and existing single-deck, double-deck, rigid, or articulated buses with a passenger capacity of more than 22, including the driver. The objective is to improve fire safety across the wider public transport sector.

Authorities indicated that while the primary goal is enhancing school bus safety, the regulation serves a broader purpose. It lays the groundwork for expanding fire safety standards across multiple transport categories in the future, potentially including freight vehicles, cranes, heavy machinery, military vehicles, and trains.

Enforcing Compliance and Certification

To ensure proper implementation, authorities will carry out annual audits of manufacturers and installers. Additionally, local transport departments will be responsible for verifying that all fire suppression systems used are Moiat-certified.

The UK-based company Reacton Fire Suppression is partnering with local safety firm TABRA to install these systems. Their technology uses heat-sensitive tubing and a special fire suppression agent to quickly detect and extinguish fires, especially in engine compartments.

Precision, Safety, and Future Expansion

TABRA is focusing on careful and precise installation of the systems to ensure safety standards are met without disrupting bus operations. The company uses only certified products and conducts detailed quality control checks to maintain system integrity.