ABU DHABI, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said that the UAE enjoys a leading stature in the region’s media sector as an incubator and regional headquarters for the most prominent international media entities. The media and entertainment industry in the country is witnessing constructive growth by embracing qualified free zones that attract media investments to the region.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Marri said, “The launch of the Global Media Congress next week in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, is set to provide an ideal platform for decision-makers, investors and innovators to discuss challenges and opportunities in light of the successive developments and changes, especially in terms of technological development.”
The minister expressed his confidence that the sessions that will be hosted by the Congress will represent a significant addition to partnerships in the communication and media industry that will help create new opportunities.
He pointed out that the UAE’s embrace of hundreds of companies and international media entities is a clear indication of the global confidence of international media organisations in the country’s business environment and the availability of a supportive climate for creative activities and industries in general, based on a secure and advanced integrated digital infrastructure, supportive and flexible legislation and laws.
Al Marri added that the UAE views the activities of the creative economy as a major tributary to advancing the comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development in the UAE in accordance with the ambitious development vision and plans for the next fifty years. The UAE has set an ambitious target for the creative industries to contribute 5 percent to the GDP by 2031, and media activities represent one of the pillars of the creative economy, which holds many significant economic opportunities, especially in light of the rapid developments of advanced technology.
He pointed out that the UAE is leading the Arab world and is second globally in the field of creative goods and services. It ranks sixth in the world in the creative goods exports index, according to the results of the Global Innovation Index 2021.
Al Marri added that the launch of the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries represents a huge leap in the development of the creative economy. It plays a key role in enhancing the country’s position as a leading destination in this promising, diversified and rich sector full of opportunities.
Source: Emirates News Agency