7. United Arab Emirates

Since the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971, media have been key forces of socioeconomic development and nation building. During the almost fifty years of the UAE’s postindependence history, the UAE media and communications sector has been entrusted by the state with supporting the nation’s political orientations, promoting economic growth, fostering national identity, and strengthening international cooperation. But, while huge investments in this sector have indeed turned the UAE into a global media hub that boasts world-class infrastructure and human talent, an updated media regulation, the Emiratization of the communications sector, and smooth transition into the digital mediascape remain major challenges to address.