Welcome to the Idea Exchange @ Dubai Press Club
Dubai Press Club (DPC) is the Arab world’s preeminent media development organisation. Established in 1999 as per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Club has evolved over a period of one eventful decade into the most sought after platform for heads of state, eminent government officials, intellectuals, writers and other dignitaries to reach out to the media and communicate their message.
DPC does not confine itself to public events. It has played a pioneering role in the development of the Arab media through a host of media development initiatives, the most vital among them being the Arab Media Forum, the Arab Journalism Award and the Arab Media Outlook. These three initiatives weave together a well-integrated media development strategy that comprises in-depth research, networking among media persons in the region, wide range of discussions on the media sector, dialogue among media persons across the world and timely recognition of outstanding talent.
One of the most active press clubs in the world, DPC offers a range of excellent services and resources to its members, in addition to access to an elite global network. The Club holds workshops, seminars and round table discussions round the year on issues of local, regional and international import. High profile personalities from diverse fields interact in these programmes with the journalistic community. Besides, DPC also organises periodic training programmes for journalists, often in collaboration with prominent international bodies. In short, DPC is a dynamic organisation that remains committed to the development of the media in the region reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the Arab public.
Arab Journalism Awards
The Arab Journalism Award honours outstanding work in Arabic-language journalism from across the region. Instituted in the year 1999 as per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Award has consistently encouraged and recognised professional excellence and commitment in different categories of journalism. It is a testimony to the pan-Arab character and popularity of the Award that the number of entries has been soaring every year, crossing 3,000 this year, representing 19 Arab countries. The entries that won the award are widely seen as a benchmark for quality in Arab journalism. The selection process for the Award is marked by the highest levels of objectivity, transparency and professionalism.
Arab Media Outlook
Arab Media Outlook is a ground-breaking study of the state of the media in the Arab world, comprising not only a thorough analysis of the current trends, but also projections for the future. Arab Media Outlook 2007-2011, the first edition of the report published in 2007, focussed on media industry trends and key issues of concern to new and traditional media. The second edition brought out early this year, Arab Media Outlook 2008-2012, dealt with the impact of new technologies on the media industry and the advent of the New Media. While the inaugural issue based its findings on data collected from six Arab countries, the second edition expanded the coverage to include 12 countries. The core idea behind the Outlook is to not only present facts and figures with regard to the media scene in the Arab world, but also map the contours of change in the industry at all levels, including technology, ownership patterns, regulations and content platforms.
The International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC)
The International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC) was constituted in Dubai on January 6, 2002 at the initiative of Dubai Press Club. The IAPC is a global network that seeks to build bridges of cooperation and information exchange between press clubs across continents. The membership of the Association has grown over the years to include 23 members, representing diverse regions such as Europe, Far East and South Asia, Australia, Americas and the Middle East. The European Federation of Press Clubs, which is a network of several important press clubs in the continent, is a member of the Association. The permanent General Secretariat of the IAPC is based in Dubai (Dubai Press Club). Members of the press clubs that are part of the network enjoy unparalelled advantages and services when they travel outside their countries on work.