15 June 2012 Last updated at 06:45 ET

United Arab Emirates profile

Newspaper reader in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi has emerged as a media hub

The UAE is a regional and international centre for TV and media, alongside Egypt and Lebanon. Dubai Media City and twofour54, Abu Dhabi's media zone, were set up to attract key players.

Organisations including Reuters, CNN, Sony and Fox have moved in. The UAE is home to major pan-Arab broadcasters, including MBC and Orbit Showtime Network. Sky News Arabia launched from Abu Dhabi in 2012.

The constitution provides for freedom of speech but there is strong regulatory and political control of media content.

Publications must be licensed and follow official guidelines on reporting. Foreign publications are censored before distribution. Journalists tend to practise self-censorship.

Internet use is extensive; by June 2012 there were 5.8 million users (InternetWorldStats.com). Extensive, automated filtering is in place at ISP level. Targeted content includes opposition politics and religion. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are partially blocked.

Legislation bans the dissemination of online material that can threaten "public order", and provides for prison terms for those who "deride or damage" the reputation of the state and "display contempt" for religion.

The press

  • Al-Bayan - Arabic daily, Dubai government-owned
  • Gulf News - Dubai-based, English-language
  • Khaleej Times - private, Dubai-based daily, English-language
  • Emirates 24/7 - English-language online publication
  • The National - Abu Dhabi-based English-language daily
  • 7Days - English-language, free-of-charge tabloid

Television

Radio

News agency

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