Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Media has a universal ability to shape public perception – a responsibility the UAE upholds as it adopts a solutions-focused model of journalism.
Dr Hamad Al Kaabi, Chief Aletihad News Center Officer, highlighted this approach during a session at the BRIDGE Summit on Monday.
The session, titled “The Media Blueprint for a Healthier Society”, brought together prominent voices in the industry to explore how modern media influences public understanding of health, science, culture, and social wellbeing.
Speaking on the panel, Dr Al Kaabi noted that Emirati media is intentionally built on values of stability, hope and dignity, reflected in its solutions-focused approach that highlights success stories, innovation and inclusive progress rather than merely pointing out problems.
“This style does not ignore reality, but it presents it in a forward-looking way that builds society’s confidence in its ability to grow positively,” Dr Al Kaabi said.
Chief Aletihad News Center Officer highlights role of #media in social cohesion, development #AletihadNewsCenter #AbuDhabi #BRIDGESummit @WMediaBridge pic.twitter.com/dS3r9LVWe0
— Aletihad English (@AletihadEn) December 9, 2025
He emphasised that Emirati media communicates health and cultural messages in ways that respect the UAE’s highly diverse population, which includes people of more than 200 nationalities. This ensures inclusion without compromising clarity or scientific accuracy.
“Media is not only a tool to carry news, but it also shapes society, which is why our media avoids sensational headlines that are misleading or could cause discomfort just to attract readers,” he said.
Speaking on public trust, Dr Al Kaabi highlighted that official Emirati media protects its credibility through strict editorial standards – verifying information with multiple sources, relying on official data, and ensuring no health- or science-related content is published without expert review.
At Aletihad News Center, editorial processes are anchored in verification, consultation with official bodies, and compliance with the UAE’s anti-rumours and cybercrime law, he said. This legal framework forms a strong foundation for combatting misinformation and maintaining public trust.
Dr Al Kaabi pointed to the team’s reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic as a defining example of responsible communication.
“Throughout the crisis, UAE media outlets that adhered strictly to official data became the most trusted sources for the public,” he said.
He added that Emirati media works to protect national identity while celebrating diversity and openness, supporting Arabic language and cultural symbols while also providing multilingual platforms that speak to residents in their own languages.
“This method is based on the UAE’s national identity and cultural policy and the country’s vision, which places tolerance and respect at the heart of public communication, while ensuring that public health, mental wellbeing and cultural dignity are represented responsibly,” he said.
Bridging the Gap
From a global perspective, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, examined how media shaped people’s understanding of science, health and identity.
Gurib-Fakim warned that the same tools that inform society can also spread disinformation. She recalled that during the pandemic, credible scientists were often overshadowed, contributing to public confusion and mistrust.
“Societies must demand the right to accurate information and uphold the integrity of scientific reporting,” she said.
For her, reshaping global narratives requires regulation, better training for science reporters, and a commitment to amplifying voices from communities that have historically been sidelined.
Dr Julie Gichuru, President and CEO of the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute, turned the spotlight on an information gap in the digital space. She pointed out that while creators and influencers have enormous reach, many lack the scientific grounding necessary to communicate responsibly on health and science issues.
“To bridge this gap, we need stronger collaboration between scientists, journalists, and content creators, in order not to limit creative expression, but to equip storytellers with the tools needed to ensure accuracy,” Dr Gichuru explained, stressing that people are “keen for knowledge,” and when provided with credible, engaging content, they respond positively.
