Dubai Establishes Media Narrative Committee to Coordinate Strategic Communications Across Government and Private Sectors

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, issued Council Decision No. 16 of 2026 on August 3, establishing the Dubai Media Narrative Committee, a new strategic body tasked with defining the framework, priorities, and core pillars of Dubai's media narrative across all public and private sector entities. The committee is chaired by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and includes senior executives from Dubai Chambers, Digital Dubai, Dubai Future Foundation, the DIFC Authority, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Its mandate is to ensure consistency and coherence in key messages across vital sectors while reinforcing Dubai's global position as a model for future-ready cities. Sheikh Ahmed stated that a strong media narrative has become a key pillar of Dubai's development journey, shaping the reach of its message and strengthening its impact both locally and internationally. He described the committee as a strategic step toward creating an integrated institutional framework that ensures consistency across key messages and enhances their impact, grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening public trust. The move comes in the context of Dubai's broader effort to develop a competitive media sector capable of communicating a compelling message that reflects the emirate's progress across all sectors. Observers note the committee's establishment follows a period of heightened scrutiny over misinformation during the February-April 2026 Iran conflict, when Dubai authorities publicly rebutted false reports of explosions and attacks, underscoring the strategic importance of authoritative, fact-based communication in maintaining investor and resident confidence during periods of regional volatility.