Mohammed bin Rashid attends main session of 3rd Arab Social Media Influencers Summit

Queen Rania delivers keynote address at Summit

Dubai never fails to amaze, with its race to build the future, says Queen Rania

Dubai, UAE – 10 December 2018: Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today attended the main session of the third Arab Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS), organised by the Dubai Press Club, at the Dubai World Trade Centre today, during which Queen Rania delivered the event’s keynote address.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation; and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended the main session.

Other dignitaries attending the main session included His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King of Bahrain’s Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Organization and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC); and His Excellency Abdelkader Messahel, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah said she was thrilled to be in Dubai, the city that never fails to amaze by defying reality and racing to build the future, and in the United Arab Emirates, a country distinguished among nations for empowering its citizens with education and opportunities under the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, supported by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

She also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS) that brought together social media influencers and other stakeholders in the field from across the world.

In her keynote address, Queen Rania underlined the importance of remaining true to our values. “We all seek the approval of others, but sometimes our values require us to march to a different beat, even if that comes at the expense of our popularity. Because while fame and figures are proof of reach, real influence is the product of actions spurred by our conscience.”

Also speaking at the main session was His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King of Bahrain’s Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Organization and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC).

Speaking on the topic of ‘Inspirational Youth’, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad said that Arab youth are capable of helping the region regain its glorious past. He stressed the importance of positivity and determination in achieving success. Sheikh Nasser said the key to realising our vision is self-belief. He stressed that we should challenge ourselves to fulfill our dreams.

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad further said the main challenge standing in the way of the Arab region’s progress is racial and religious disputes, adding that the current phase in its history offers an opportunity to consolidate efforts to create a better future.

He said that the question of whether social media is beneficial depends on the people using it. Opportunities are always there for the people who chase it. He called on the region’s youth to focus on the positive regardless of the challenges. Positivity, he said, can help us achieve our ambitions and objectives.

The third edition of the Summit attracted 70 speakers from 25 countries, speaking in 20 interactive sessions, where they shared their experiences in the presence of more than 1,000 social media influencers from across the region and the world.

The main session of the Summit was attended by prominent Arab and international personalities including Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Head of the Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman; HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Vice-President for Development and Planning at the Saudi Arabian General Sports Authority; HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General and member of the Board of Trustees at Alwaleed Philanthropies; and a host of Arab and international figures.

Earlier, in her welcome address, President of Dubai Press Club (DPC) and Chairperson of the ASMIS Organising Committee Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, welcomed attendees of the third edition of the Summit. The main objective of the Summit, she said, is to identify the best way to use social media platforms to serve Arab communities, and enhance their ability to deal with various challenges and secure a prosperous future. She highlighted the substantial following that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah enjoy on various social media platforms and their use of these platforms to create positive change and spread tolerance and happiness.

She said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is one of the Arab world’s most inspirational influencers and a role model for leadership. His vision, focused on enhancing excellence, achievement and knowledge-based development, has inspired millions of his social media followers both in the region and across the world.

Al Marri further said that despite the challenges facing the Arab world, there are many reasons for hope. The youth who comprise 60% of the region’s population are its real wealth, she said. Mona Al Marri stressed that the region’s influencers can convert the love and appreciation they enjoy among people into energy that further boosts the region’s aspirations to achieve a better future.

The third edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, which attracted 70 speakers from 25 countries, featured 20 interactive sessions. Speakers shared their perspectives on social media with an audience of over 1,000 from across the region and the world.