The Board of Directors of the UAE Journalists Association unveiled the Association’s new logo and brand identity on Monday at a press conference held at the Dubai Press Club, a media report said.

The event also saw the launch of an ‘Honorary Board’ that aims to enhance the role of the Association in advancing journalism in the country, reported Dubai Media Office.

Designed to reflect the importance of the current digital media era, the new logo was inspired by the four colours of the UAE flag. The logo features lines and waves that symbolise the growing role of digital and social media platforms. A pen in the centre of the logo signifies freedom of thought and the responsibility of the press.

Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the UAE Journalists Association, said that the logo’s design is aligned with the Association’s newly revised identity and objectives. He highlighted the Association’s keenness to work with various media institutions in the country and expand its activities to include local seminars and events that attract international participation.

Speaking about the UAE leadership’s announcement of 2019 as the ‘Year of Tolerance’, Al Hammadi said all media institutions in the country play an important role in spreading the values of tolerance.

“However, content creators on new media platforms have an even bigger responsibility in achieving this mission. They have a key role in shaping the awareness of the public, given their influence and ability to reach all segments of the community,” he said.

Abdulrahman Al Bastaki, secretary-general of the UAE Journalists Association spoke about the launch of the ‘Honorary Board’, which he said was established to recognize the UAE’s leading media personalities, who have contributed to the growth of journalism in the country. He added that the formation of the Board enhances the mission of the Association and enables it to benefit from the experiences of the Board members.

Maitha Buhamaid, director of the Dubai Press Club, praised the vital role played by the UAE Journalists Association in enhancing the journalistic skills of media professionals in the country through their various professional programmes. She also stressed that DPC is harnessing all resources to support media outlets in keeping abreast with the latest developments in the media field.