Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed called on the anti-terrorism states to develop media strategies to combat extremism after meeting with the four countries' ministers of information on Monday.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces discussed coordination efforts between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain at a Ramadan reception at Al Bateen Palace.
The meeting also sought to develop mechanisms for battling the financing and harbouring of extremist organisations.
"Fighting extremist organisations through media is of no less importance than fighting it through the security and military means and media might be more instrumental in this fight because it spreads the values of tolerance, moderation and positivity," Sheikh Mohammed said, in comments carried by WAM, the UAE state news agency
"We need to work within one pre-emptive strategy based on explaining the concepts of the moderate and open teachings of Islam that call for tolerance, peace and forgiveness and spreading the spirit of hope and giving."
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The Crown Prince called upon the ministers to develop media strategies, particularly on social media.
The meeting was attended by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE's Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council; Dr Awad Al Awad, Minister of Information of Saudi Arabia; Ali bin Mohammed Al Ramahi, Minister of Information of Bahrain and Makram Mohammed Ahmed, President of the Egyptian Higher Council for Media Regulation.
