The professional skills of economic journalists in the Dubai region are set to receive a boost through a new training program delivered by Murdoch University in collaboration with global media organisations.

Murdoch Dubai will work with the Dubai Press Club (DPC) and leading media outlets including CNN, CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, AFP and Sky News Arabia.

Together they will deliver the ‘Advanced Economic Journalism’ program, which aims to advance and enhance awareness of trends and developments in international markets.

The program, delivered with the support of DP World, will run at the DPC until mid-February 2019 and features hands-on training sessions, interactive workshops and assessments.

Murdoch Dubai Dean James Trotter said delivering the program in partnership with such high-calibre organisations was a coup for the university.

“Our aim is always to expose our students and the university to the best industry leaders available in the region,” Dr Trotter said. “These organisations know their craft and deliver excellence in economic journalism, so we are very proud to be the sole university partner in this important initiative.”

Dubai Press Club President, HE Mona Al Marri, said a long-term cooperation between DPC and DP World had paved the way for the development of the ‘Advanced Economic Journalism’ course.

“It will help economic journalists polish their skills and keep abreast of changes and trends,” Al Marri said. “Holding this training programme in partnership with international media organisations enables us to deliver valuable learning experiences to the participants."

She said the DPC was keen to further develop the skills of journalists, both in the UAE and in the region, by organising similar training programs.

Group chairman and CEO of DP World, HE Sultan bin Sulayem, said with the UAE launching new economic plans and projects, economic journalists needed to keep abreast of changes have a solid understanding of new developments.

“This initiative will help journalists enhance the public’s understanding of economic developments,” he said. “The media plays a significant role in making the community aware of the UAE’s economic achievements.

“The support we have extended to DPC’s ‘Advanced Economic Journalism’ program reflects our appreciation for DPC’s efforts both locally and regionally,” he said.

Economic journalists were a key link between the markets and the public and they must write in a simple and reader-friendly way to help the public understand market developments, he added.

CAPTION: Murdoch Dubai Dean, Dr James Trotter, welcomes the alliance with leading media organisations in delivering the new ‘Advanced Economic Journalism’ program