Dubai: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) today organised the 2nd edition of the Financial Media Forum under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of the Financial Sector: The Balance Between Influence and Responsibility’. The event gathered prominent government and media leaders, alongside over 100 professionals, students, and financial and economic experts.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum occurs amid rapid transformations in the global economy, underscoring the increasing significance of media in promoting financial transparency and analyzing economic data. The event aimed to boost financial awareness across society, aligning with the UAE’s vision for sustainable economic development. It also focused on fostering collaboration with media entities to develop transparent and impactful financial content that supports the country’s financial objectives.
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to a strategic financial approach that enhances resource management efficiency and formulates flexible, sustainable financial policies. He emphasized the role of the Financial Media Forum in strengthening the relationship between the financial system and national media, underscoring the media’s crucial role in enhancing financial literacy and communicating government policies effectively.
The event saw participation from Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance; Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; and Mohamed Al Hammadi, Acting Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), among others. During the forum, AlKhoori stressed the Ministry’s dedication to promoting financial transparency and collaboration with various sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth in the UAE. He highlighted the importance of balancing growth stimulation with sound financial management and the Ministry’s focus on digital transformation within the financial sector.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, in his opening speech, emphasized the media’s evolving role in promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment amidst rapid changes in media influence tools. He stressed the necessity of financial literacy for making informed decisions and highlighted the UAE Media Council’s efforts in regulating media content to ensure credibility and transparency.
Mohammed Al Hammadi, in his keynote address, underlined the forum’s significance in establishing financial awareness as a national priority. He pointed out the essential role of the media in simplifying financial concepts for the public and promoting sound financial behavior.
The forum featured four panel discussions addressing major issues and trends in the financial sector, including international financial relations, financial literacy, public-private partnerships, and financial sustainability. High-profile speakers and officials from federal and local authorities participated in these sessions, providing insights into the future of the financial sector and the role of media in supporting transparency and financial literacy.
Additionally, the forum included an interactive session for university students discussing training and employment opportunities in international financial organizations, and a training workshop for media professionals on financial data governance and analysis. These sessions aimed to enhance understanding and skills in financial data analysis and reporting, contributing to the overall goals of the forum in promoting financial literacy and transparency in the UAE.