Dubai, 14 Aug. 2010 (WAM) - Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met at his Zabeel Palace this evening with Chief Editors and representatives of UAE-based local and foreign newspapers and news agencies.
The meeting was held in presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Members of the media corps offered greetings to Sheikh Mohammed on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Sheikh Mohammed talked to the members of the media about several political, media, economic and regional issues. The talks focused on the freedom of expression and constructive criticism. Members of the media praised the numerous initiatives by Sheikh Mohammed and his keenness to provide a wider space for freedom and transparency in dealing with the local, regional and international media. Sheikh Mohammed said that the people of the UAE were proud of the achievements made in all walks of life. "Our achievements complement those of fellow Arab countries. The prominence gained by the UAE is a prominence for all Arabs," he said. Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the concerned authorities in the UAE do not impose any restrictions on information or news about economic and financial issues. "My directives to these authorities are clear and beyond any questioning as we rely on candour and transparency. We strongly believe that media is the mirror of the nation. It has a noble message to disseminate and to enlighten the public, away from exaggeration, bias and distortion of facts. Media is the nation's voice. The sun cannot be blocked by a sieve," he added. Also present were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Saqr Ghobash, Labour Minister & Chairman of the National Media Council, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State, H.H. Sheikh Marwan bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Lt. General Musabah Rashid Al Fattan, Director of Dubai Ruler's Office, Ahmed Abdulla Al Sheikh, Media Escort to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and chief editors.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
