ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, July 16th 2013 [ME NewsWire]
Organized by the Law Respect Culture Bureau at the Ministry of Interior, a number of Ramadan Council kicked off on Monday evening across the UAE. The councils, which touched on a set of various topics, were attended by a number of officers from the Law Respect Culture Bureau; journalists and editors-in-chief from several newspapers.
On Day 1, the Councils tackled the "Role of media organizations in supporting the Law Respect Culture”, and included 4 topics, namely; the concept of law respect culture and its religious, social and legal importance; the role of the media in instilling the law respect culture; expression between freedom and responsibility; and legal highlights.
Discussions focused on the councils’ main objectives, and the Ministry of Interior’s keenness to achieve confidence and communication with community members, by establishing social-oriented departments, which seek to develop the sense of societal responsibility among individuals, and acquaint them with the vital role they play to support state institutions in discharging their duties, based on interaction and exchange rather than receiving and implementing orders.
The Councils’ sessions also included an overview of the establishment of the Law Respect Culture Bureau, the General Secretariat of His Highness Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior; based on the fact that acquainting individuals with the laws that apply to them, make them more efficient and contributory to achieve their security and the security of others. For this end, the Bureau has sought to educate individuals on provisions of the law and their significant importance in their lives. Following the successful mobile legal Ramadan tents that roamed the various emirates last Ramadan; and as per the instructions of the police leadership to make the legal meetings friendlier and closer, it was decided to hold the Ramadan councils in citizens’ homes this year.
The first Ramadan Council was held in Eid bin Bakhit Al Mazroui’s home in Abu Dhabi. It was led by Mohammed Al Hammadi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad newspaper, and attended by a number of citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Al Mazroui expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for the trust he bestowed upon him, and for granting him the opportunity to host this Council. He stressed the importance of the Ramadan Councils in enhancing communication and cohesion between community members during the holy month of Ramadan, which is synonymous of brotherly love, affection and societal communication.
He stated: "These councils reflect the interaction of various components, and shed light on many societal issues, notably Media and Laws in the UAE, which reflect the strategies that serve the State; as well as their role in the exchange of opinion and thought between community members;” noting that this interaction will serve as a media platform at the state level during the holy month.
The Council began with recitations from the Holy Quran, delivered by child Fares Mohammed Eid Al Mazroui, grandson of Eid Al Mazroui, followed by the UAE national anthem sung by a number of children. Moreover, child Hamad Mohammed Eid Al Mazroui gave a speech, welcoming attendees and congratulating them on the advent of the holy month. He also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the higher leadership, lauding its commitment and dedicated attention to childhood, through the various laws and regulations enacted in this regard. He also appealed to the various media to dedicate more attention to childhood and its different stages, calling for an annual conference in this regard under the auspices of HH the Minister of Interior, to be attended by children of the UAE.
For her part, Child Maha Bakhit Eid Al Mazroui, emphasized the need to dedicate more attention to Arabic language and Islamic Sciences, as per the instructions of the higher leadership.
Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad newspaper Mohammed Al Hammadi inaugurated the Council by expressing his thanks to HH the Minister of Interior for his keen interest and commitment to hold such important councils, which represent a unique opportunity to meet and discuss a number of key issues. He emphasized that the UAE is a state where the rule of the law reigns, and where all citizens and residents enjoy security and stability. Furthermore, he highlighted the key topic that was discussed at the Council, under the title: "Role of media organizations in supporting the Law Respect Culture”, as well as the various issues tackled. The debate was then opened, in which members of the audience were able to present their questions and inquiries. Eid Bakhit Al Mazroui noted that the Council comprised a number of prominent figures and intellectuals from across the state, who met to discuss this topic: "The UAE has been enacting legislations for decades in all areas; this would reflect positively on human beings, help the State attain an international status, and attract investments to achieve development in the country,” he continued.
Al Hammadi emphasized the need to pay attention in dealing with the media, which has become open and available to all; warning against the risks and implications of social networking sites and their content. He lauded the transparency of the UAE Media, notably the live coverage of the court proceedings against the "Secret Organization” members, and expressed his thanks to all media operating in the country.
On the same note, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Mazroui raised the question as to whether the media is assuming its role in responding to rumors and avoiding tendentious news coverage.
Khalid bin Nasser Al Raisi underscored for his part, the need to simplify the publication of laws, and to focus on explaining the laws needed by society. He urged the media to play a greater role in clarifying and explaining the laws in a simple manner to members of society.
In his turn, Abdullah Al Mahrazi stressed that the media is discharging its duties to the fullest, noting that social networking sites cannot be controlled. Moreover, he called on media organizations to curb rumors and to put an end to social networking sites in order to protect children.
Dr. Salem Al Yammahi indicated that the UAE has legislations that have been become laws; stressing the significant role of the media in spreading the law respect culture among community members.
On the same note, Nayef Al Sammahi expressed his hope for the establishment of a local channel that would deliver the United Arab Emirates’ message to the world, and another channel for the Ministry of Interior to acquaint people with its related laws.
Saeed Al Mazroui also spoke at the Ramadan Council on the importance of the proper child upbringing, and the need to teach children to recognize right from wrong, particularly with the growing availability and ease-of-use of social networking services. He emphasized that the UAE spares no effort to enact legislation and laws to protect children, calling on decision-makers to establish a private channel for children, to acquaint them with the law and teach them to respect it.
For his part, Engineer Abdullah Al Mazroui expressed his pride for the high-level progress and development attained by the UAE with respect to promulgating laws that protect citizens; as per the higher leadership's keenness to achieve prosperity and well-being for all citizens of the state.
Engineer Atiq Al Mazroui stated: "The people of the UAE is a conscious and well-educated people, very much aware of the laws on employment, family and childhood, which were enacted to serve the citizens and achieve the greater good of the homeland”.
Engineer Bakhit Al Mazroui agreed with Engineer Atiq and added: "The higher leadership is keen to see the country among the top five ranking countries in the world with respect to enacting laws and regulations, notably, the laws that prohibit high noon work”. Furthermore, he asserted that the UAE people approve of and respect laws.
Commenting on the subject, Mohammed Eid Al Mazroui affirmed that the laws enacted by the State are primarily for the benefit of citizens, citing the installation of radars on all roads across the state, which aims to preserve citizens’ lives. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of raising awareness through the various media, to communicate simple and expressive messages to community members.
In the same context, Mohammed Hamad Al Mazroui called the media as the fourth estate in the community. His opinion was approved and lauded by Ahmed Rashid Al Mazroui, who underscored the role of the media in instilling and explaining the law respect culture.
At the end of the Council’s session, Mohammed Al Hammadi extended his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Eid Al Mazroui for hosting the Council; and to the Law Respect Culture Bureau for its diligent efforts to organize and hold such councils.
Notably, a number of Ramadan councils were held across the UAE, namely; the first Ramadan Council in Dubai, hosted by Dr. Ahmed Al Hashimi and led by Sami Al Riyami, Editor in Chief "Emarat Al Youm" Newspaper; the Ras Al Khaimah Ramadan Council, hosted by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi and led by Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Director of Cultural and Community Activities at the UAE’s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development; and the Umm Al Quwain Ramadan Council hosted by lawyer Abdullah Rashid Al Hilal and led by n, and moderated by Journalist Abdul Rahim Al Batih. Khalifa Mattar Al Kaabi hosted the Fujairah Ramadan Council, led by Journalist Humaid Al Zaabi; Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, hosted the Ajman Ramadan Council, led by Abdullah Khashif, Broadcaster on Radio Ajman; and Major General Hamid Mohammed Al Hadidi, Commander in Chief of Sharjah Police, hosted the Sharjah Ramadan Council, led by media figure Mohammed Khalaf.
The Council’s Topics
The Ramadan Council tackled 4 key topics. The first topic highlighted the concept of law respect culture and its religious, social and legal importance. It has created a social culture among community members of all ages and categories, on the need to respect legislations (often referred to as written laws) and unwritten laws (customs, traditions, practices, usages, and other maxims of human conduct), because of their essential and vital role in protecting their rights and their lives and ensure their safety and freedoms. This would encourage individuals to respect the law out of conviction, not out of fear of punishment or legal penalty.
The second topic touched on the media's positive role in instilling a law respect culture, and consolidating its noble values. Moreover, it warned against the negative aspects of media in this regard, which requires that the media interacts with community concepts, based on highlighting right from wrong, regardless of the community’s desires that may not be commensurate with its interests. Media must also advocate values of respect for law and justice, by implicitly declaring that freedom protected by the law is better by far than the freedom based on chaos; that strength lays in law respect, and that violating the provisions of the law indicates weakness. Media must reach out to all segments of society to deliver a message, that existing laws in the state are the first step to instill this culture; which needs to be complemented by fully understanding these laws. Finally, media must establish a moral motivation for all members of society, by creating awareness on the importance of the legal culture, which compels individuals to respect the provisions of the law in all its forms; as this culture begins with the individual and the family, and ultimately reflecting on society.
The third topic discussed the act of expressing between freedom and responsibility. It defined freedom as the backbone of the legal system, which represents the key component of a modern society, and an essential element to allow innovation, and creativity. No development or progress can be achieved in life without freedom; and its inherent values and benefits are closely associated with responsibility whose extent is determined by the law.
Every person has a natural and legal right to exercise his freedom of thought, expression and belonging. Yet, while exercising this freedom, every person remains responsible for his actions. This means that freedom is not absolute, and individuals cannot do anything that comes to their mind in the name of freedom, without any consideration to the implications of such actions on others. Therefore, one cannot defame others, by slander or libel to their good reputation, feelings and religious beliefs; neither can they ridicule their sacred places, undermine their dignity, by letters addressed to the public, or through newspaper articles, or controversial cartoons, or any other means, under the pretext of freedom of expression. Freedom stops when it infringes upon other people’s rights, freedoms, religious beliefs, feelings and dignity. It should not wreck society’s foundations usually drawn by the law that governs the lives of individuals within a community.
Article 30 of the UAE Constitution stipulates that "Freedom of opinion and expressing it verbally, in writing or by other means of expression shall be guaranteed within the limits of law.” This means that any individual has the legal right to exercise freedom of opinion in any form of expression; provided that it does not prejudice the rights, reputations and freedom of others.
The fourth topic was titled "legal highlights”; it provided legal models that individuals should comply with.
It is noteworthy that the second day of the Ramadan council organized by the Law Respect Culture Bureau will be held on Thursday across the country, and will tackle the role of educational institutions in supporting the law respect culture.
Notes to Editor:
For more information, please refer to the below: (Attendance at the Ramadan Councils at the State level).
The Dubai Ramadan Council was attended by Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department; Judge Dr. Jamal Hussein Al Sumaiti, Director General of Dubai Judicial Institute; Judge Abdullah Al Shamsi; Colonel Mohamed Butti Al Shamsi from Dubai Police, and retired Col. Khamis Al Suwaidi.
The Sharjah Ramadan Council was attended by Khamis bin Salim Al Suwaidi, Head of the Sharjah’s Suburbs and Villages Affairs Department; Jamal Al Bah, Head of the Arab Family Organization; Mansour Mohammed Bin Nassar, Director of the Legal Department at the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Dr. Salem Al Rahma Al Shuwaihi; Counselor Yousef Al Sharif; Brigadier Abdullah Mubarak Al Dakhan, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Brigadier Mohammed Obaid Al Mazloum, Director General of Police Operations; and department directors in Sharjah Police.
The Ras Al Khaimah Ramadan Council was attended by Brigadier Mohammed Al Nubi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police; Faisal Abdulla Juma, member of the Federal National Council; Brigadier Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Ras Al Khaimah; Najib Al Shamsi, Economic Adviser at the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC); Dr. Ali Al Mansouri, Director of Ras al Khaimah Higher Colleges of Technology; as well as department directors at Ras Al Khaimah Police.
The Ajman Ramadan Council was attended by Ali Al Nuaimi and Ahmed Mohammed Rahma Al Shamsi, FNC members; Brigadier Ali Alwan, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police; Brigadier Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police; Hamad bin Ghalaita Al Ghafli, Special Secretary for His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; Consultant Sultan Khalifa Al Matrooshi; Obeid Hamad Al Zaabi, Director of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs.
The Fujairah Ramadan Council was attended by Sultan Saif, FNC member; Colonel Hamid Mohammed Al Yamahi, Director General of Police Operations at Fujairah Police; Hamad Salem Al Kindi, Religious Preacher at the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments; Mohammed Khalifa Al Zyoudi of Human Resources in Fujairah; Said Ali Khammas, former Head of the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI); Sharif Al Awadhi, Director of the Fujairah Free Zone; and Mohammed Majed, Director, Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah.
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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com
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