1. Media in the UAE
  2. Types of media

Types of media

Digital and traditional media are available in the UAE. Social media is widely used, in addition to print and audiovisual media.

New media

New media, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram are used widely in the UAE by the government entities and by the public as well. H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai actively uses social media to communicate with the people.

 

In 2014, he launched the Arab Social Media Award to harness the positive potential of social media for the good of the Arab world. The awards highlight the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world and promote best practices for social platforms and technologies.

 

In their interaction with the public, government entities in the UAE are obliged to follow the Social Media Guidelines for the UAE Government (PDF, 3 MB).

 

Government’s social media accounts

The UAE Government avails official social media accounts to communicate with public and hear their needs. The public can use the following feedback channels of UAE Government services:

 

Social media accounts of U.ae:

 

Abu Dhabi Government's TAMM feedback channels:

 

Digital Dubai Government's feedback channels:

 

Ajman Government's feedback channels:

 

Umm Al Quwain Government's feedback channels:

 

Ras Al Khaimah Government's feedback channels:

 

Fujairah Government's feedback channels:

Print media in the UAE

News publications in the UAE include:

Arabic

English

Locally-licensed Arabic magazines in the UAE include:

TV and radio

Radio in the UAE is still the most popular form of media, reaching 95 per cent of the population every week. In 2018, a survey revealed that 5 per cent of the UAE’s population aged 10 and above tuned into radio every week.

Source: Investing in media and entertainment in the UAE (PDF, 1 MB) - Ministry of Economy

 

Following are some of the government media companies that own TV channels, radio stations and print and online publications:

 

TV channels include:

 

Useful links:

 

Radio channels include:

Films

The UAE Government is taking special interest in promoting the production of films in the UAE. Efforts are being directed towards the production of both: indigenous and foreign films. Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Dubai Film and TV Commission offer attractive cash rebates to production houses shooting in the emirates.

 

Abu Dhabi Film Commission also offers production and broadcasting services apart from providing a talent directory.

 

 

Related links:

Updated on 26 Jul 2023

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