Middle East & North Africa

United Arab Emirates

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

Like the country itself, the media landscape in the United Arab Emirates abounds with contradictions that stem from the country’s unusual politics and economy. Media outlets have only recently been privatized and still have close connections with the government, yet they are thriving businesses that rely on a robust advertising market. Restrictive media laws and informally accepted “red lines” circumscribe local news coverage within accepted limits, yet major international media concerns operate with relative freedom in the UAE’s media “free zones.” The past year witnessed some of the most dramatic and controversial developments in the fields of the freedom of expression and press in the country’s history. A new Media Law has been drafted and unofficially published in one of the local newspapers, but panelists and international human rights organizations have widely criticized what they described as a “backward-moving” law.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Reporters Without Borders Description:

The press in the United Arab Emirates is as vibrant as the country’s economy, with 11 national dailies, six of them in English and five in Arabic. The Emirates like to be seen as particularly welcoming to foreign media, particularly in the Dubai Media City. Foreign journalists can work with far less interference than in other countries of the Persian Gulf.

A new press law, designed to replace the law of 1980, was adopted by the Federal National Council on 20 January 2009 after a prolonged debate. If passed in its present form it could constitute a serious setback to press freedom in the UAE and the media has raised strong objections. It has been awaiting the signature of the president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, since January 2009.

Read more on RSF’s site…

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Visit IFEX’s Site for Recent News on Media in this Country