Abu dhabi: Zayed Authority for People of Determination has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the IMI Academy for Media, part of the IMI Group, with support from the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. This partnership aims to bolster cultural and creative initiatives, nurture national talent, and enhance the cultural and media industries ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its status as a global hub for creativity, culture, and media production.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement focuses on developing the media skills of People of Determination, equipping national talent with the expertise to actively participate in the media content industry. This initiative aligns with the UAE's vision of fostering an inclusive society by enhancing professional and knowledge empowerment pathways for People of Determination.
The agreement was signed by Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority, and Ali Al Hammadi, COO of IMI Group. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Khalid Al Hosani, Head of Operations at IMI Academy, and Chantale Saliba, Head of Training and Media at the Academy.
The collaboration builds upon the National Media Programme for Empowering People of Determination, introduced earlier this year. It includes a six-month training program offering media readiness skills, content creation, storytelling, and media presentation. Participants will receive practical training within media entities under IMI Group, gaining hands-on experience in professional media environments.
The programme also incorporates modern technologies and AI to enhance media skills, preparing participants for the evolving global media landscape. The partnership aims to establish career pathways in media for People of Determination and promote inclusive media that reflects societal diversity.
Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan emphasized that the agreement signifies a significant step in empowering People of Determination with future skills, aiming for their active participation in key sectors like media. He highlighted the importance of investment in people through capacity building and training opportunities to prepare national talent for societal impact.
Khalid Al Hosani stated that empowerment begins with recognizing potential and creating opportunities for growth. The collaboration with Zayed Authority seeks to support an inclusive learning environment for skill development and creative expression.
Chantale Saliba added that the partnership provides a platform for participants to learn, build practical skills, and express themselves, contributing to a diverse media landscape.
The training program's first phase will commence next Friday at the IMI Academy in Abu Dhabi, focusing on self-confidence, media readiness, and professional media environments. The partnership aims to launch initiatives to discover media talent among People of Determination, encouraging them to produce content that reflects their experiences and raises community awareness.
Through this collaboration, Zayed Authority and IMI Academy aim to build a sustainable model for media empowerment, preparing a new generation of media professionals to contribute to impactful media messages and support sustainable development goals.