The UAE

History of Media in the UAE

  • The UAE’s media journey began when Ibrahim Mohammed Al Midfa launched Oman, the country’s first newspaper, in Sharjah.

    The UAE’s media journey began when Ibrahim Mohammed Al Midfa launched Oman, the country’s first newspaper, in Sharjah.

  • Musabbah Bin Obeid Al Dhahiri founded Al-Nakhy newsletter in Al Ain, writing on palm fronds and cardboard, and reading the news aloud to café visitors.

    Musabbah Bin Obeid Al Dhahiri founded Al-Nakhy newsletter in Al Ain, writing on palm fronds and cardboard, and reading the news aloud to café visitors.

  • Dubai Radio was launched from Al Shindagha by Saqr Al Marri, marking the first significant radio broadcast initiative in the Emirates.

    Dubai Radio was launched from Al Shindagha by Saqr Al Marri, marking the first significant radio broadcast initiative in the Emirates.

  • Akhbar Dubai, the first colored magazine in the UAE, was issued by Dubai Municipality, setting a new standard for print media.

    Akhbar Dubai, the first colored magazine in the UAE, was issued by Dubai Municipality, setting a new standard for print media.

  • Al-Ittihad newspaper was launched in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi TV began broadcasting, becoming the UAE’s first official television station.

    Al-Ittihad newspaper was launched in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi TV began broadcasting, becoming the UAE’s first official television station.

  • Al Fajr newspaper was founded by Obaid Humaid Al Mazrooei, further expanding the growing national print media landscape.

    Al Fajr newspaper was founded by Obaid Humaid Al Mazrooei, further expanding the growing national print media landscape.

  • The Government of Dubai replaced Akhbar Dubai with Al Bayan, a new daily newspaper, reinforcing public-sector media presence.

    The Government of Dubai replaced Akhbar Dubai with Al Bayan, a new daily newspaper, reinforcing public-sector media presence.

  • Ajman launched its own television channel, Ajman TV, reflecting the emirate’s entry into the national media space.

    Ajman launched its own television channel, Ajman TV, reflecting the emirate’s entry into the national media space.

  • The UAE dissolved the Ministry of Information and established the National Media Council as an independent federal entity.

    The UAE dissolved the Ministry of Information and established the National Media Council as an independent federal entity.

  • HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree to establish the National Media Office under the Presidential Court, signifying a new era of centralized media leadership.

    HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree to establish the National Media Office under the Presidential Court, signifying a new era of centralized media leadership.