In an era dominated by digital chatter and viral misinformation, the United Arab Emirates has articulated a deliberate policy of strategic silence, framing it not as weakness but as an expression of national confidence and sovereign strength. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Head of the National Media Office, articulated this position during a keynote address at the 1 Billion Followers Summit in Dubai, asserting that the nation’s governance remains impervious to online pressure or fleeting narratives.
Al Hamed emphasized that the UAE’s decision-making is anchored in long-term vision, measured leadership, and a deep understanding of its soft power rather than reactive engagement with digital trends. “The UAE was built through experience, learning, and strategic decisions taken over years, not days,” he stated, clarifying that the nation responds only when and how it chooses, with silence often serving as a deliberate strategic tool.
Addressing widespread speculation about the UAE’s regional and international stances, Al Hamed cautioned against equating social media discourse with ground reality. He stressed that digital noise should not be mistaken for truth, nor should it dictate national policy. “What we see on social media does not represent the reality of the UAE,” he noted, underscoring the nation’s commitment to action and achievement over rumor and reaction.
The UAE’s approach, he explained, is fundamentally rooted in human development—prioritizing people before projects and building credibility through tangible outcomes. This philosophy dates to the nation’s founding, where leadership invested equally in human capital, infrastructure, education, and innovation. “The narrative of the UAE is the human being,” Al Hamed affirmed. “Factories and buildings came later.”
On the evolution of Emirati media, Al Hamed described it as both an economic sector and a pillar of soft power, noting the intentional absence of a traditional Ministry of Media to foster flexibility and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of authentic cultural representation, stating that misrepresentation of Emirati identity should not be tolerated.
In closing, Al Hamed urged media professionals and creators to operate responsibly within the digital realm, recognizing its power and limits. “Our world today is digital, not paper,” he remarked. “Those who understand this will shape the future.”