UAE closer to more press freedom, more media
By Leah McBride Mensching, Tuesday 12 August 2008 at 20:10 :: Press Freedom & Laws :: #2087 :: rss
The United Arab Emirates is closer to becoming a better place to practice journalism, as the government is closing in on passing a federal media law that would eliminate jail terms for press violations, Oxford Analytica reported Tuesday.
The law is part of a 10-year effort the UAE has made to attract outside media companies, as well as increase the number of domestic media players.
For media companies looking to get into the Middle East, Dubai is a top choice to start from, following the 2001 launch of the Dubai Media City free zone, managed by TECOM Investments. The investment group is almost solely owned by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Sheikh Mohammed), prime minister and vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, Oxford Analytica stated in the article, posted by Forbes.
The free zone has attracted outside players such as Reuters, the Associated Press, BBC World and CNN, among others. Advantages to being in the free zone include the fact that income is not taxed and 100 percent foreign ownership is allowed, compared to a 49 percent ownership rule outside the zone, according to Oxford Analytica.
However, the government still has the upper hand over journalists and content, and can, for example, revoke visas for content that offends Emirati elites.
Comments
No comment.
Post comment