SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: IRENA HEADQUARTERS IN UAE

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SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: IRENA HEADQUARTERS IN UAE


1. Summary: UAE's print and electronic media devoted extensive
coverage to the UAE's selection as the headquarters of the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). UAE Supreme Council
members and senior officials sent cables of congratulations to the
UAE president on this diplomatic success. Semi-official Abu
Dhabi-based Arabic daily "Al-Ittihad" and Sharjah-based daily
"Al-Khaleej" each devoted five pages to the story including local,
Arabic and international reactions to "this unprecedented
achievement of UAE diplomacy". Editorials praised the decision to
choose Abu Dhabi as the IRENA headquarters, attributing the victory
to the UAE leadership and its diplomacy, and to the infrastructure
that makes Abu Dhabi the right venue to host such an agency. End
Summary.



2. Sample Headlines:

-- Front-page headline in Abu Dhabi-based Arabic semi-official daily
"Al-Ittihad" (circulation 65,000): "Nationwide joy at UAE's win of
IRENA headquarters; Expectations of a positive impact on development
projects in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed: The UAE is proud
to host IRENA and this is an award to every Arab person."

-- Additional inside-page headlines in "Al-Ittihad": "Economists:
"Selecting the UAE as IRENA headquarters reinforces the UAE's
pioneering stature in the field of energy"; UAE officials:
"Selecting UAE as IRENA headquarters reflects the success of the
UAE's foreign diplomacy; UAE officials and experts see winning IRENA
headquarters as a sign of global recognition of the UAE's
progressive role."

-- Abu Dhabi-based Arabic "Akhbar Al-Arab" (Circulation 20,000)
banners: "Kalifa and Mohammed Bin Zayed receive cables of
congratulations. Abu Dhabi has been selected as headquarters of
IRENA. Mohammed Bin Rashed: This achievement embodies the excellent
stance of the UAE in international forums."

-- Abu Dhabi-based English daily The National (circulation 20,000)
front page: "The UAE wins IRENA headquarters; Environmental agency
to have headquarters in Masdar City as rivals agree to host
satellite offices after hard-fought global campaign"



3. Under the headline "Irena Headquarters decision is the right
one", Dubai-based English daily Gulf News published the following
editorial on 06/30 (circulation 95,000):

"The vote takes note of the responsible way that the UAE is playing
an increasingly important role in foreign affairs. It takes note of
the UAE's consistent position in favor of negotiations and rational
discussion, and against violence and prejudice. The vote also takes
note of the UAE's important position in the energy community, and
how it has been planning ahead not just for the next decade, but
looking for a long-term sustainable future for mankind, which is
what the work of IRENA is all about."



4. Under the headline "Thank You", Habib Al-Sayegh, wrote an op-ed
in Sharjah-based Arabic daily "Al-Khaleej" (circulation 90,000):

"The success of UAE's diplomacy after huge efforts taken during the
past six months does not just reflect a mere success but also
reflects the success of the UAE people, UAE foundations and the
national system and planning. True the effort was collaborative but
it was Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed who took abnormal steps and stood
out. We hope this successful work will be taken as a model for all
our UAE citizens and organizations."



5. Under the headline "Finally...IRENA is here", Ali Al-Amoudi,
wrote in his daily column in Abu Dhabi-based Arabic semi-official
daily "Al-Ittihad" (circulation 65,000):

"Congratulations to all of us. We thank whoever said yes to the UAE
for hosting the IRENA headquarters. The UAE represents the most
qualified country to host IRENA."


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