Challenges for young Emiratis in media industry

Dubai: The perception that universities in the UAE may not be providing the right tools for young Emirati media talent was considered one of the main challenges facing fresh graduates looking to join the media sector at the Arab Media Forum session, “Young Emirati talents: ambitions and challenges.”

Pointing out that around 600 Emirati students annually graduate in the field of media, anchor Mohammadd Al Suwaidi from Sharjah TV said that there is a shortfall in what is taught in universities.

“Teaching is only theoretical without practical training. Mostly journalism is taught, but not much is taught about the many other jobs in media such as technical aspects of a cameraman, or production or public relations,” said Al Suwaidi.

Sharing the same views, anchor Saud Al Kaabi from Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) pointed out that while universities emphasise teaching the theories and history of media, they lack a focus on the practical aspect of journalism needed to match the requirements of the workplace.

“Joining the field of media is different than joining any other field because media requires the development of a variety of skills, extensive training and being aware of your own potential,” said Al Kaabi, who referred to his own experience.

Anchor Meera Al Muhairi from Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) who was also a speaker at the session, said that while there is a bigger window of opportunity for Emirati talents in the media sector than in the past, the invasion of foreign media outlets affects the motivation of nationals and makes it a challenge to preserve the Emirati culture.

“The UAE media should be able to embrace the culture and the culture of dialogue, because culture is related to creativity,” said Meera. Highlighting the importance of culture preservation, Meera also pointed out that being weak in the Arabic language has become a common challenge faced by a high number of young talented Emiratis looking to join the media industry.

More opportunities

Discussing the developments in the UAE media landscape, Meera highlighted the society’s perception of women working in the field has changed.

“In DMI for example, earlier, the challenge was very big because of the perception in society about a woman working in media. But the country has supported me and my colleagues and today the media landscape is wide enough to absorb all Emirati talent,” said Meera.

Referring to the 2013 ‘Year of Emiratisation’ initiative, Meera also added that Emirati graduates now have a higher opportunity to enter the job market and should take advantage of these opportunities.

Stressing on individual determination and self development, anchor Osama Al Amiri from Abu Dhabi Sport Channel, said the UAE is going through a phase of empowering young Emirati talent.

“The expansion of the media landscape and the emergence of Media City give an extra advantage to all the talents that want to join the media field,” he said. “Competition provides the motivation to work harder.”

Pointing out that just a few years ago there were only three TV channels in the UAE which includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah TV with a few Emiratis working in them, Al Amiri said that today there are multiple channels with multiple Emirati anchors behind the TV screens, which reflects the advancements in the UAE media landscape.