RABI HAMAMSAH (DUBAI)
Graduates of the fourth cohort of Faris Al Muhtawa Programme on Wednesday expressed their appreciation and happiness over the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directing the allocation of a fund worth Dh150 million to support content creators and establish a permanent influencers headquarters that provides year-round support.
The Faris Al Muhtawa Programme aims to empower youth with skills and expertise to lead the content industry regionally and globally, enhancing the position of the UAE in this arena.
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, announced the establishment of the Content Creators Club and the allocation of Dh150 million to support them.
This came on the sidelines of the launch of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, the largest global forum for digital content creators on social media, which is hosted by the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers in Dubai, with the participation of 7,000 guests, including 3,000 content creators and influencers from various countries of the world, and 100 CEOs.
In an interview with Aleithad, Safa Alnaqabi, one of the graduates, expressed her happiness and appreciation for His Highness' directives to the allocation of a fund worth Dh150 million to support content creators and establish a permanent influencers headquarters that provides year-round support.
''I am very excited for this great news. Our wise leadership is always keen to support us and empower us to be more creative and deliver the best,'' she said.
Saeed Al Khasouni, another graduate, told Aletihad that the content creators are very glad and proud over what has been done by the UAE's government for them.
''This step from our wise leadership shows how it pays attention to all details regarding the youth and creative people, including content creators. This step is a vision to the future by itself. We are very happy and we do appreciate the support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, May God protect him,'' he added.
Attending the graduation of 90 content creators which was held in collaboration between the UAE Government Media Office and New Media Academy, and the 4th cohort of Faris Al Muhtawa Programme, His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi said: ''Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has become a global destination for versatile meaningful digital content creation.''
Al Gergawi stressed the importance of digital media as a modern, innovative communication tool between governments and their people, and its role in raising social awareness. He also highlighted the role of new media in enhancing government functions and nations' government trends.
''We aim to develop this promising sector by training national and Arab talents that can present valuable and enriching content. Our mission is not limited to attracting talents, but includes training and empowering them to become the leaders and makers of the future,'' he added.
Indicating the importance of training courses, both locally and regionally, and their role in supporting a new generation of content creators, Al Gergawi said: ''Training courses aim to empower Emirati and Arab youth, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to become active partners in the mission of building their nations and protecting their communities.''