NMA to prepare charter on journalists' rights, duties in UAE

Chairman of the National Media Authority (NMA), Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, has revealed preparations for a Charter on Journalists’ Rights and Duties in the UAE.

The charter is intended to serve as an ethical framework that responds to changes in the media environment, safeguards freedom of journalistic work and strengthens trust between media organisations and the public, without becoming a constraint on journalistic practice.

Al Hamed explained that the charter’s primary objective is to raise professional standards in journalism and reinforce the principles of accuracy, integrity and responsibility.

He emphasised that the charter "would not replace the law" but instead serve as a professional reference that "promotes responsible practice and helps media organisations and journalists navigate complex situations" through clear standards. 

It was reviewed during a dialogue session with representatives of international media outlets operating in the UAE, where Al Hamed affirmed the authority's commitment to a philosophy of direct engagement, open partnership and transparency with international media organisations.

 Al Hamed said the authority believes journalists' "needs and questions deserve to be heard and addressed, and that strong, professional media begins with frank dialogue". 

He added that the NMA was "established to serve them and therefore remains open to anyone with a question, observation or request".

The session discussed developments in the media landscape and the sector’s future amid rapid transformations, intending to bridge gaps, strengthen communication channels and direct dialogue, and provide an open space for discussion.

“We do not want journalists merely to write about challenges from a distance. We want them to be partners in discussing those challenges and proposing solutions," said Al Hamed.

"Challenge us with your questions, discuss your observations with us, and criticise us openly," he added. 

He noted that direct dialogue helps to understand, correct, and improve, "turning differences into a gateway to progress rather than an obstacle". 

"The National Media Authority will not be a barrier between your organisations and the truth; it will be a bridge to it," he said. 

Al Hamed noted that the authority is heading to a new phase defined by open dialogue and transparency "in the service of truth and the advancement of the media landscape". 

During the session, the NMA chairman also stressed that relations between regulatory authorities and media organisations should be founded on mutual trust, freedom to ask questions, and respect for journalists’ right to inquire and hold institutions accountable.

"The National Media Authority is working to establish a globally competitive media ecosystem that is open, innovative and responsible, further strengthening the country’s position as an international media hub,” he added. 

 Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federal National Council, also participating in the session, called on international media outlets to report fairly on the UAE’s experience and to ensure their coverage does not overlook the country’s achievements in promoting coexistence, respecting human dignity and building a society in which people feel safe and have a sense of belonging.

Discussions during the session also addressed ways to combat misinformation and fabricated content, as well as strengthening verification tools and credibility.