Dubai: In line with its commitment to nurturing the next generation of national media talent, a delegation from the Dubai Media Council (DMC) visited the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in Dubai to engage with media students and introduce them to the 'Emirati Media Talent Pledge' initiative.
According to Emirates News Agency, the visit was led by Nehal Badri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Media Council, and aimed to strengthen collaboration with the academic community. The event offered students direct exposure to the Council's initiatives, including guidance on career development and entry into the media sector. The Council reaffirmed that empowering Emirati media talent, particularly the youth, is a strategic priority guided by the leadership's vision to build a future-ready national media sector.
The Council emphasized its commitment to providing the tools, opportunities, and supportive environment that enable young professionals to contribute to shaping the UAE's media landscape. The DMC delegation was welcomed by Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President and CEO of HCT, who expressed appreciation for the Council's role in advancing Dubai's media sector and its dedication to translating the UAE leadership's vision into meaningful action. Dr. Al Ayyan noted that by empowering youth and offering real-world opportunities in collaboration with top media organizations, the Council is creating a significant advantage for students as they prepare to launch their careers.
Dr. Yahya Al Ansaari, Executive Director of Dubai Campuses, HCT, highlighted the collaboration with the Dubai Media Council as a valuable opportunity for students. The visit deepened students' understanding of the industry and strengthened their readiness for future careers. He emphasized HCT's commitment to supporting students in building professional connections that align with their aspirations and the UAE's vision.
During the meeting, Nehal Badri spoke about the Council's dedication to empowering young national media talent. She highlighted that young people are well equipped to craft compelling narratives that reflect the UAE's identity and keep pace with global developments. Badri praised HCT's forward-thinking approach to media education, particularly its Digital Media degree, as a means of equipping students with essential skills for a rapidly evolving sector.
She also mentioned that the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, place youth at the centre of all Council initiatives. The 'Emirati Media Talent Pledge' initiative was launched to bridge the gap between academic education and professional media practice, with a vision to advance Dubai's media sector by strengthening its global competitiveness.
Saif Al Suwaidi, Project Manager at DMC, explained that the 'Emirati Media Talent Pledge' initiative aims to identify, train, and prepare promising national talent, especially media students, for careers in the industry. Launched in partnership with universities and leading media organizations across the UAE and beyond, the initiative is designed to create practical pathways into the workforce and foster long-term industry readiness.
The visit concluded with presentations from HCT students, who showcased their final-year projects and discussed the ideas and outcomes behind their work. The DMC delegation also toured HCT Dubai's academic departments, including programs in engineering, computer science, and applied media.