How media industry has evolved in Sharjah recently?
With the growth in infrastructure all over the United Arab Emirates and particularly in Sharjah, the media industry has also witnessed the boom. The media industry has been constantly evolving throughout the years. It has seen progress with the massive countrywide development and remarkable growth at record highs. Sharjah has also been part of this media industry evolution. The Sharjah media industry started to take its proper shape a long ago and still on the road of progress.
History of the Media Industry Evolution
In the beginning, the media industry of the states was in the nascent phase but with the passage of time, it has grown tremendously. Sharjah is honored to be the pioneer of the print media industry in the region as the first Emirati newspaper, Al Khaleej, which was published in Sharjah that revolutionized the country’s print media in 1970. After the formation of UAE in 1971, the country welcomed scores of newspapers, television channels, and radio channels.
Broadcast and Media Free Zones
UAE currently hosts five media free zones in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Ras al Khaimah. Sharjah Media City (Shams), launched in 2017, brought a revolution in the media industry within the city. This being the newest media city, is a host to several benefits and opportunities. It houses several top film production companies in Sharjah, opening gates to several filming opportunities within the city. Having a number of media-free zones makes it popular with national and international broadcasters. The presence of the media city has helped remarkably to transform Sharjah into a media hub of the region.
Evolution of the Media Industry in the Recent Past
The strong leadership within the UAE has put up great ambitious plans for the nation’s growth and achieve a knowledge economy by incorporating with the media industry. The greatest revolution that took place was the fast-paced adoption of the technology that gave rise to the new digital media, since the introduction of the Internet in 1995. According to the world economic forum ranking, UAE is in the 26th position of most networked nations of the world and 17th in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Report. By the end of the year 2017, there were 9.4 million users within the country. With the development in Sharjah, media advancement was much needed to commemorate better technology and legislations, for more comprehensive and age media resolutions. With the inauguration of the Shams Film Commission, better and more comprehensive filming solutions will be provided to the local or International filmmakers.
Final Words
Today, the UAE media environment comprises of numerous local Emirati media outlets and major international news agencies and channels that operate in a cosmopolitan environment. According to 2012 cybercrime law, fines and prison sentences are for individuals who contravene with the UAE’s political, social, and religious values online. Sharjah is strict in this regard and does not compromise on the country’s National Unity. Nonetheless, the Sharjah media free zone has laid out several opportunities and easier avenues of broadcasting and media solutions.
