DUBAI, 21 January 2003 — Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is also the defense minister of the United Arab Emirates, has said that he is pleased that the Arab media is returning to the motherland.
During a visit to the Saudi Research & Marketing Company’s regional headquarters at Dubai Media City yesterday, Sheikh Mohammed promised that the media city will continue its policy of openness and will respect freedom of opinion.
The crown prince of Dubai was received on his arrival at the headquarters by Prince Faisal ibn Salman, chairman of the company’s board of directors, and many senior officials.
Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by his sons Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum, toured the company’s offices and departments.
During his discussions with Prince Faisal, office directors and journalists, Sheikh Mohammed said the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of its President Sheikh Zayed welcomed the Arab media and advertising organizations to the city.
“The Arab media firms have decided to have an effective role by influencing the decision makers in the region,” he said.
Sheikh Mohammed urged officials of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority to remove all obstacles — including routine procedures — which may restrict Arab and foreign media people and organizations in the city.
Prince Faisal expressed his appreciation for the instructions given by Sheikh Mohammed to the authorities to facilitate the mission of the Saudi Research Marketing Company, which publishes 17 newspapers and magazines (including Arab News).
“Our company selected the UAE as its regional headquarters because of its modernity and because the country has everything necessary to facilitate the growth of media and advertising activities,” Prince Faisal said.
He also highlighted the tremendous progress achieved by Dubai and its openness in terms of media, technology, tourism and construction, as well as for its implementation of advanced infrastructure projects in the areas of services and communications.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Mohammed Al-Qarqawi, chairman of Dubai Development and Investment Authority; Ahmed Bayat, director general of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority; and Khaleefa Saeed Salman, director of protocols.
