Abstract
The study aims at examining the use of digital media in crisis management during Covid-19 pandemic in the UAE. In the UAE and the world as a whole, the pandemic posed an adverse crisis with risks and vulnerabilities to life and well-being. As a result, different containment measures such as lockdowns, stay-at-home, quarantine, work-at-home, and cessation of the movement were utilized to reduce the spread of the virus. Closer to home, authorities in the UAE utilized diverse approaches to share and disseminate correct information to unify the communities while containing the spread of the virus. One approach that authorities such as The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) employed involved digital technology platforms. As such, the purpose of the thesis is to explore the impact and use of digital media in Covid-19 crisis management in the UAE. The study relies on a qualitative research methodology through semi-structured interviews with members of NCEMA to understand how they use digital media to manage COVID-19 crisis. The study also incorporates quantitative data collected from a sample of social media platforms in the UAE. Results of the study show that digital media works mainly to disseminate information and insights to enhance the containment of Covid-19. Sharing of information on social media reached large numbers hence lowering the risks and vulnerability to the virus. By controlling the spread of the virus, NCEMA and other frontline authorities managed to create awareness, save life, and reduce the risk-magnitude of the virus.
Presenters
Mohammad Al DhafriStudent, Master of Art in Communication, University of Sharjah, Dubayy, United Arab Emirates
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2022 Special Focus—Democratic Disorder: Disinformation, the Media and Crisis in a Time of Change
KEYWORDS
COVID-19, UAE, Digital media, Crisis management
