UAE's Commitment to Fundamental Freedoms: Protection and Promotion of Freedom of Opinion, Expression, and the Press.

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that strongly supports the protection and promotion of fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, opinion, and the press. The country's constitution guarantees all fundamental freedoms guaranteed by international law, with an emphasis on freedom of expression, opinion, and the press. 

Article 30 of the UAE constitution states that "freedom of opinion and its expression through speech, writing, and any other means of expression is guaranteed within the limits of the law." The UAE strives to activate the role and partnership of civil society institutions in the country, particularly those dealing with rights, freedoms, media, press, and human development. 

As the official authority in charge of implementing the "old" law, the Ministry of Information and the National Media Council are eager to strengthen self-censorship and ensure the highest levels of independence for media and press institutions. The Federal Law No. 15 of 1980 on publications and publishing governs the licensing and activities of printing and publishing in the country, including the use of traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs, as well as digital media. The National Media Council issued the Electronic Media System in 2018, with the goal of supporting the country's electronic and digital media industries. 

The "Media Regulatory Office," which is part of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, is in charge of developing legislation, regulations, standards, and the foundation for regulating media affairs in the country. The office collaborates with many civil society organizations concerned with the media and press, as well as media institutions, to improve the media industry in the UAE and the environment in which it operates. 

In terms of regions, means, and media, press, and digital channels, the UAE is regarded as one of the most prominent countries. To further strengthen press and media freedom, the "Media Regulatory Office" is developing a draft federal law to regulate "media affairs and activities" in accordance with national legislation.