The Emirates News Agency (WAM) celebrated yesterday at its main headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the 37th anniversary of the launch of news transmission in June 18th 1977.
Heads of Departments, journalists and National Media Council (NMC) and WAM's staff attended the ceremony.
At the beginning of the ceremony, NMC's Director General, Ibrahim Al Abed welcomed the audience, recalling the march of WAM since its establishment, its clear vision and constant keenness on highlighting the U.A.E.'s achievements in various media fields inside and outside the country.
Al Abed emphasised that as per directives of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of National Media Council, WAM has succeeded in covering all the country's activities in various fields and contributed to highlighting the U.A.E.'s image globally.
He also pointed out that WAM was the first agency to start transmission with photos and television at the same time and is currently providing news services through social media, which is used prominently to provide news for foreign reporters and journalists.
NMC's Director General extended thanks to WAM's veterans for their efforts and contributions to deliver its successful message, as well as reflecting the U.A.E.'s image.
WAM's Executive Director, Jamal Nasser Al Suwaider said," Today, we remember WAM's foundation day in November 1976, as per a ministerial decision and the beginning of its transmission in June 18th 1977.", adding that the day is very dear to the Agency's former and current staff and journalists.
"Today, we receive transmissions of all Arab news agencies and most international agencies through various sophisticated means of communication and signed cooperation and exchange of news agreements with more than 20 Arab and international news agencies. WAM, now, is a member of GCC News Agencies Union, Federation of Arab News Agencies and other international news agencies." He added.
He also said that WAM is the backbone of NMC, thanks to modern technologies which are on par with the latest international equipment in the field.
Al Suwaider added that under the directives of Sheikh Abdullah, the agency seeks to apply top of the line media service which reflects the huge progress, being witnessed by the U.A.E. and meet the needs of local, Arab and international media outlets.