Seven major institutions step forward to sponsor Arab Media Summit 2003

"We do not regard these seven institutions as sponsors, but more so as our partners with whom we shall jointly strive to make the Arab Media Summit 2003 a resounding success," pointed out Mona Al Marri, Executive Manager of Dubai Press Club and host of the Arab Media Summit.

The seven partners are:
1. BBC World
2. Al Hayat Newspaper
3. Abu Dhabi TV
4. Khaleej Times Newspaper
5. Emirates Airline
6. Dubai Media City
7. Al Khaleej Newspaper

"The fact that major global institutions like BBC World, Al Hayat Newspaper or Emirates airline have joined us, underlines the reality that the Arab Media Summit has come to be regarded as an integral part of the global media life and a must-attend item in the diaries of major regional and global media institutions," Al Marri pointed out.

She said a media gathering of this kind is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. "The Arab Media Summit with its aim of promoting a better understanding between the West and the Arab world is unique and of critical importance during these crucial times - being held in the aftermath of the Iraq War," she said.

Overwhelming response
"This is the first time we decided to have partners, largely because of interest from the institutions," said Al Marri.

"Originally, we had thought of having just two or three partners, but the overwhelming response we had from high calibre entities, encouraged us to go with these seven major institutions. We are honoured to welcome them to the Arab Media Summit 2003," she added.

Key gathering
Hani Subra, Regional Manager, BBC World, said: "The Arab Media Summit is a gathering of top journalists in the Arab World, and attended by many foreign journalists, thus transforming the whole event into a great cultural gathering of great intellectuals and talents, who share and express different views on different topics regionally and globally.

"BBC World's interest in such an event lies in the added value that this event provides to journalism standards through the brainstorming sessions, and the various journalists who will enrich the Summit with their different opinions and points of views. BBC World is committed to journalistic standards and values, and consequently to the Summit which will help reinforcing these standards and values in the Arab world," Subra added.

George Samaan, Editor-In-Chief of Al Hayat Newspaper said, "We are pleased to be sponsoring the Arab Media Summit 2003. It is considered a distinguished gathering in the media world and an outstanding event, which is why leading media organizations have been drawn to participate in it." He also pointed out that Al-Hayat Newspaper assures its full support to media events that help reinforce the role of the Arabic media at the international level.

Critical significance
Ali Al Ahmed, Director of Abu Dhabi TV, said his institution is proud to be associated with the event. He stressed the importance of the Summit saying that it was an crucial forum to discuss issues of critical significance.

"The mission of the Summit is to provoke a meaningful debate. We are on the threshold of a new era that is emerging. The Arab Media Summit 2003 assumes great importance - as our other sponsor partners, the world's top journalists and the organisers - all will have the common aim of provoking a dialogue to better understanding between opinion-makers in the West and the Arab world and define a better relationship for all in the coming times," Ali Al Ahmed added.

Search for truth
"As an event being held under the kind patronage of General Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Minster of Defence, who saves no effort to support such events with an aim to encourage creativity and excellence on both local and Arab levels, and as the country's oldest English daily, it is natural for us to be associated with the 3rd Arab Media Summit as one of the key sponsors," said Mohammed Abdul Rahim Galadari, Chairman of Galadari Group and Editor-in-Chief of Khaleej Times.

"It is our perspective to encourage the search for truth and the pursuit of excellence and to stand by our country and region and give every such an enterprise our constant support. We will do whatever necessary to raise the standard of journalism in the Gulf and Middle East. We need such a forum to exchange ideas and share each other's experience," he added.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates Airline's Executive Vice-President - Commercial Operations, said: "Ever since its launch in 2001, the Arab Media Summit has served as an efficient catalyst for a select group of media and academic personalities, to discuss topics of vital importance to the region in general."

Saying that he is confident that this year's meeting will prove as successful as the preceding ones, Al Ghaith said: "Emirates takes great pride in supporting this important event, as it definitely contributes to strengthening Dubai's and the UAE's status as a growing regional media hub. In sponsoring this event Emirates affirms its commitment to support the initiatives of the Government of Dubai in all fields".

Positive platform
Abdulhamid Juma, CEO of Dubai Media City, said: "The Arab Media Summit is a wonderful platform to promote dialogue between media professionals and experts from different parts of the world. We do believe that the summit is gaining more weight and has an important role to play in bridging cultural gaps separating the west from our region. The summit also creates a positive platform for networking and exchange of views and opens new channels for a positive dialogue to tackle major issues of true interest to the Arab world".

He said the objectives of the Summit are close to Dubai Media City's heart. "We ourselves have created a community that brings together media organisations from around the world to operate with collective synergy and freedom. We are keen to contribute in realising the mission of the Summit and are glad to support the organisation of the event" Juma added.

"Al Khaleej Newspaper, being at the forefront of news in the region is an obvious partner of the Arab Media Summit. Representing the Gulf's Arabic press, we too have the common aim of promoting a better understanding our region and the West," said Raed Barqawi, Deputy Managing Editor of Al Khaleej Newspaper.

Al Marri said: "Our sponsor-partners will have a key role to play. Along with us, they will be host to 200 of the world's topmost journalists and media personalities from overseas - mainly the West. Another 300 top-level regional and local media personalities will be attending this year's summit".

This will be the third summit in the annual series This year's Summit will devote a full day on the second day to study the role of the media in war situations - with a case study focussed on how the media operated during the Iraq War.

On the second and final day, the Arab Media Summit 2003 will witness a grand finale with the announcement of the Arab Journalism Awards 2003. These awards honour the best journalistic work done during the past year by members of the Arab media.