Regional media ignores landmark development

Dubai: Winning the right to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) is remarkable. In fact, it is extraordinary, because the UAE has become the only developing state to host an international agency.

Yet ironically, the excitement associated with this victory was not reflected in major newspapers in the Arab world or on Middle Eastern Satellite TV channels. Even pan-Arab newspapers based in Europe failed to acknowledge the news on their front pages.

Remember, the announcement of the winner took place in Sharm Al Shaikh, Egypt, not in some far away country. By and large, the UAE's victory was reduced to a small news item in business sections of some newspapers, save for a few who took it on their front pages.

There isn't a clear explanation for this regional media reaction (or lack thereof). One cannot help but wonder, are Arabic newspapers so used to bad news - wars, bloodshed, destruction etc - that when good news happen they simply don't know how to react appropriately? That is, have they become psychologically prone to printing only bad news on their front pages? Moreover, is this a matter of 'jealousy' coupled with arrogance that because the UAE won such a prestigious honour, it is not that significant for readers outside its territory?

Let us note that having the headquarters of Irena in the UAE means more environmental awareness to the region, which has the world's biggest per capita emissions of CO2. Most importantly, new technologies and research in the field of renewable energy would be coming out of Abu Dhabi.

Perhaps it is a matter of ignorance or obliviousness in that they are not fully aware of what Irena entails or how much of an impact it is going to have both in the short term and long term.

Whatever it is, the lack of coverage and lack of prominence of the UAE win is not only disappointing but also shocking. The Arab region has been deprived from playing any role in global affairs. The UAE's Irena victory has done some justice to this vital region. But for the Arab media to ignore this significant development is really perplexing, isn't it?

we have no need of daily media attention, our achivements speak for themselves. the real achievement will be in the future when we have successfully built and held the headquarters for many years.
Ebrahim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 01, 2009, 14:37