Crises trigger innovation in youth, Mohammad says

Dubai: The economies of the UAE and the Gulf are doing a commendable job after weathering the global financial crisis, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said after opening the two-day Arab Media Forum at the Grand Hyatt yesterday.

Shaikh Mohammad made this observation during an interaction with a group of Arab writers and journalists on the sidelines of the forum. He reiterated his view that crises offer the youth an opportunity to release their creative energy.

The 11th edition of the forum has been termed a "testimony" to the vital role of the media in the Arab world that is going through a critical phase, especially for the youth.

In his keynote address, renowned Arab-American scientist Dr Farouk Al Baz stressed the media's role in boosting the morale of Arab communities in light of political and social movements in the Arab region.

"The Arab world is witnessing a critical phase: either we will emerge strong or divided," he said. "The media plays a vital role in this atmosphere."

Dr Al Baz emphasised the need to educate more than 120 million Arabs and to encourage youth participation in raising the standard of Arabic usage.

Al Baz said the youth had a huge responsibility in dealing with the transition from despotism to democracy, but he believed they had the will and the tools to achieve the change.

Today, Shaikh Mohammad will distribute the eight-category Arab Journalism Awards for works and columns selected from publications in various Arab countries.

— With inputs from Layelle Saad, GCC/Middle East Editor