Dubai, 17 May 2010 (WAM) - The Government of Dubai Media Office today participated in a forum titled, "Social Networking Technologies for Better eGovernance and Fostering a Knowledge Society in the UAE", started at the Dubai School of Government (DSG) this morning.
The Media Office gave a presentation highlighting its efforts to employ modern communication technologies to serve its strategic objectives, which aim to boost communication between all segments of society through utilizing new websites that reach far and wide around the world.
The Media Office's participation comes in line with its support for the forum's objective to develop a document that will determine the mechanisms for government agencies and employees to deal with social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter throughout the internet's second generation. Social networking sites have rapidly grown in popularity of late, especially amongst younger generations who are the foundations for future growth and development.
In her remarks at the forum, Aljoud Lootah, Executive of New Media at the Government of Dubai Media Office, said that the Media Office's initiatives in social networking reflect UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's keen interest in promoting positive interaction amongst the community, using all possible channels to encourage constructive dialogue. She added that this dialogue forms the cornerstone of the development process, and the pillar of government action, which seeks to meet society's needs and expectations.
During her presentation, Lootah said that the Media Office is keen to keep abreast of the latest advances in modern communication, describing these developments as a central component of the media industry, particularly since social networks have become a vital source of information, with traditional media already sourcing information through these sites.
"Currently we are developing our capabilities in this area in a manner that enables us to convey our message in a professional way that serves the objectives of Dubai Government's strategy." she added.
Lootah gave a detailed presentation on the Media Office's efforts to employ modern communication applications, since launching the website of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 1999.
She reviewed the various stages of development at the website, which has become a key source for news about His Highness, featuring comprehensive coverage of his official activities, initiatives and speeches at national and international events, in addition to providing extensive information about his role as a statesman, athlete, poet and horseman.
Lootah continued by outlining the Media Office's efforts to promote the use of internet applications and social networks as a way of keeping pace with the latest developments in telecommunications around the world.
Her presentation also focused on other initiatives coming out of the Media Office, with attention given to Sheikh Mohammed's Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as the office's YouTube page, where it publishes video clips featuring Dubai's most important events and activities.
Lootah went on to provide statistics demonstrating the scope of the office's websites, saying that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's website commands more than 85,000 hits per month, having received over 180,000 messages since the site was launched. Sheikh Mohammed's Facebook and Twitter pages have attracted in excess of 167,000 and 336,000 followers respectively.
"Despite its recent launch the Media Office's Twitter page has 1,755 followers," Lootah added.
The forum's opening day also included sessions and presentations given by professionals and representatives of government agencies, as well as researchers from the Dubai School of Government and the private sector.
(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)
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