Eleven local and regional entities to sponsor the Arab Media Forum 2006

Mohammad Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Dubai Press Club which is organizing the Forum said: "We are glad that the Forum has gathered the support and sponsorship from top notch local and regional establishments and authorities. The sponsors for the Forum include: Emirates Airline, Dubai Holding, Nakheel, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), DU, Arab Media Group, Al Arabiya, Falcon City, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Mubadala and Hewlett-Packard (HP)."

During a press conference held at the Dubai Press Club which was attended by representatives of the sponsor companies, Al Mansoori said: "All of the companies and establishments sponsoring this event are pioneers in their field of activity, which is in line with the importance and reputation of the event itself.

The Forum has become the biggest event of its kind in the region in a very short span of time, with previous Forums attracting huge interest not only from media specialists but also from prominent academic and political personalities".

"The participation of the sponsors reflects their commitment to the development of the Arab media industry, and towards the driving theme of progress and reform in the Arab world in which the media is expected to play a pivotal role,"

he added.

The Executive Director of Dubai Press Club concluded: "We look forward to the discussions which will be held during the Forum to shape mechanisms and ways to boost the development of Arab media, under the theme of the Forum 'Arab Media Review', by evaluating the positive and negative aspects influencing the media in the Arab world".

Nabil Sultan, Senior Vice President - CO WEST ASIA & INDIAN OCEAN, Emirates Airline said, "Emirates is very proud to be associated with this event, the only one-of-its-kind in the Middle East that fosters greater understanding and interaction between the Arab and international media."

He added, "Emirates recognises the role the media plays in shaping public opinion and the profound effect it has on the political, economic and social variables within the region. At Emirates we believe the media is our partner and ally, and we value their support."

Fadel Al Ali, Chief Operations Officer of Dubai Holding said, "Our sponsorship of this prominent event reflects our belief in the huge role that media plays in social and economic development. A strong and credible media is key to the progress of a nation."

He added, "The media has a key role to play in supporting the development process and attracting investors. Dubai Holding as part of the corporate sector considers this sponsorship as part of its commitment to contribute to the development of the media in our region."

Executive Chairman of Nakheel, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said, "As Dubai continues to become recognized as one of the world's leading cities, the Media plays an ever important role. Media is an essential communication tool, aiding progress and forging great strides in social responsibility."

"Nakheel is keen to witness the growth and development of the regional media and encourage its transparency and accountability which is essential in the growth of our city." he added.

Amira Abdulla, Public Relations Manager, Dubai International Financial Centre commented:" The Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award are today a well-established part of the Arab media calendar, attracting the cream of the media industry to debate, to network and to work together to take the industry forward. This Forum is the ideal platform for discussion and the Dubai International Financial Centre is proud to be part of a movement that brings together all the Arab media."

Abdullatif Al Sayegh CEO of Arab Media Group said: ""As the largest Media Home in UE, we feel that it is very beneficial for us to be part of such an event especially with all the success that it achieved in the past few years."

Abdul Rahman Al Rahid, Manager of Al Arabiya TV said: "We are in need for an open free discussion in the media sector and Arab Media Forum is the ideal platform for this."

Salem Almoosa, Chairman and CEO, Falcon City of Wonders LLC, said, "Falcon City of Wonders is pleased to be associated with a prestigious event like the Arab Media Forum, which has emerged as an important platform to discuss issues that affect the media fraternity in the Arab world. Media forms an integral part of the society, playing a crucial role in its development and all round progress, and the corporate sector and the government need to come together to protect the interests of the media."

HE Abdul Rahman G. Al Mutaiwee, the Director General - DCCI said, "The participation of the DCCI in this important event reflects the strategy of the Chamber represented in promoting the values of dialogue and exchange of ideas and viewpoints particularly in such events related to the socio economic aspects of the UAE society and the region."

He added, "DCCI has been keen to sponsor this important event along with other reputed local, regional and international organizations, which reflects the interaction of the DCCI with all issues concerning the local society in general and the business community in Dubai in particular."

Abdulla Khouri, Senior Manager, Communications & Administration Department of Mubadala said: We are proud to participate in supporting this important event. Media represents an integral element in Mubadala strategic planning due to the company's strong belief in the crucial role that the media plays in supporting social, economic and political development efforts in the region. Mubadala also believes in the value of communication as an important catalyst for developing our societies".

"Arab Media Forum is expected to play a key role in raising the bar of the media industry in the Middle East. The forum does not only serve as a platform that brings prominent media experts under one roof, but it also addresses crucial issues that block the progress of this industry in the region," said Samer Karawi, Marketing Manager, Enterprise and Corporate Communications Manager, HP. "It is a matter of pride that we are associated to a reputable forum as such and we hope that all participants will attain remarkable results to further grow this industry in the region," he added.