Broadcasting transitions in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The view of media in general and broadcasting in particular as a catalyst for social change has defined the United Arab Emirates’ national development ever since the launch of the Federation on 2 December 1971. For a nation keen on establishing itself as a modern state, it was quite natural to see radio and television being harnessed to promote socio-economic change and to preserve cultural traditions. In the past two decades in particular, the power of broadcasting in the UAE is perceived to have arisen not only from its role in promoting national identity and fostering economic progress, but also from its building bridges with far-flung regional and international audiences. While striving to maintain its leading position as an economic power in the region, the UAE has yet to grapple with challenges related to bolstering its national identity in the context of asymmetrical demographic realities. In addressing those two challenges (cultural and economic), the UAE holds high expectations about what media, especially broadcasting, could contribute. Yet, to enable radio and television operators to effectively deal with these two issues, the UAE, at federal and local levels, has brought about substantive transitions in national broadcasting institutional outlook, technological sophistication and professional development.