Phase One of the United Arab Emirates' $817 million media and technology facility was officially opened last Saturday by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed who pledged that news agencies in the region could now have the opportunity to enjoy unpredented freedom of expression as well as the support of state-of-the-art technology, making it an 'arena for free-thinking talent.'
In his inauguration speech Sheikh Mohammed explained that Dubai's latest initiative, the Dubai Media City (DMC), will be integral to the global digital infrastructure and will enable the Arab communities to network with each other and the rest of the world. He said: 'We want this city to be one of the bridges to connect Arabs with each other, Arabs with their future...and Arabs with the world.'
He continued: 'We want the city to contribute to creating a media message that is aware of its reality and is open to the future. We want it to be a place where the media around the region and the globe will bring their productive and creative talent home. The city will provide for its community, the opportunity to embrace all that is new in the media industry at the right moment in time, and therefore, the pioneers of this city will possess the tools that will allow them to convey their message, and to achieve their tasks to world class standards. This will allow them to compete in the global field, and in sharing the fruits of this New Economy.'
Mohammed Al Gergawi, who is director-general of the Dubai Technology, E-Commerce and Media Free Zone as well as chairman of Dubai Internet City, also attended the inauguration ceremony where he announced that laws regulating the DMC are almost finalised. He stated: 'The legislation will be based on freedom of expression within the context of social morals and values. The UAE is aware of the necessity of opening the door to freedom of expression within the framework of those values.'
Gergawi confirmed that the DMC had received many applications from Arab newspapers wanting to set up their Middle East base in the complex; he said the international press was welcome if it adhered to the legislation: 'Dubai Media City-based newspapers distributed within the UAE will be monitored by the Ministry of Information and Culture as is the case with newspapers based abroad and distributed here,' he said.
There is a waiting list of 65 companies that are planning to move into the DMC, which spans over 490 acres. Gergawi commented: 'We have 96 per cent occupancy. Over 900 people from 50 firms will start working at the city from March 1. They include broadcasting, production, music and multi-media services industries.'
Work on Phase Two is due to commence in February and is expected to be completed before the end of the year when the third, and final, phase will be implemented.
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