Abu Dhabi Backs Youth Media Council To Identify Fake News

In an attempt to protect Abu Dhabi citizens from the effects of fake news, a dozen young residents have been chosen to form a Youth Media Council.

The strategy, announced by the National Media Council, is intended to develop the emirate’s media sector as well as protecting against fake news on a variety of online media platforms, with the youth council composed of young expats as well as Emiratis. According to the council, it’s the start of a new phase during which young people will take an integral role in developing the media sector as an outlet for genuine news articles.

Out of 153 applicants for the Youth Media Council, 12 from a selection of the UAE’s media sector were appointed, with the criteria including a distinguished media background and a record of creative ideas and media achievements. Applicants were also required to be between the ages of 18 and 30 years, be either media employees or college students and have either citizenship or residency. One successful applicant, originally from Palestine and now working as a presenter at Abu Dhabi TV, told the media his main objective is to minimise the gap between the Arab media and the emirate’s expat communities.

Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia, local media are reporting the kingdom is planning to introduce a green card system resembling that of the USA. No immediate details were provided, but should the majority of the nine million expats in the kingdom decide to take up the visa, revenues from the scheme would be welcome as contributions towards the ambitious package of reforms linked to stimulating non-oil incomes announced in April last year by the crown prince.