profit business-led organization promoting corporate governance in the Gulf Region, and NNC, one of the UAE's leading public relations companies, have partnered together to affirm the imperative role of the media industry in fostering transparency and good corporate governance practices in the region. This collaboration highlights the value Media houses in the Gulf Region have in reflecting the positive impact of corporate governance, and the ways its implementation promotes the success, security and sustainability of Gulf-based corporations. Joining the Pearl Initiative's diverse portfolio of partners, NNC, a Sharjah-based agency, will play a key role in developing a framework to involve and engage multiple media houses across the Gulf Region in discussions on corporate governance, accountability and transparency. Yasmine Omari, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, said: "Being a ‘by gulf-business' and ‘for gulf-business' organization, we would not be in a position to develop programs that are relevant to Gulf businesses without the input and support of our partners. The media industry plays a pivotal role in fostering a corporate culture of accountability here in the Gulf Region. While awareness around corporate governance has increased significantly in recent years, a lot remains to be done in this field. The evolution of corporate governance means that there is a new opportunity in the Gulf Region for domestic and foreign investors alike; a keen understanding of how to navigate them will be increasingly essential. We believe that our new partnership with NNC will play an instrumental role in bridging the gap between Gulf businesses and their understanding of the strategic advantages of applying corporate governance practices to enhance the profitability and longevity of their businesses." Yousef Al Taweel, Founder and CEO of NNC, said: "Our partnership with the Pearl Initiative falls within our mission and vision to positively impact the private sector and communications industry in the region and beyond. We hope to leverage the Initiative's know-how in promoting corporate governance practices in the Gulf Region, and use this newly formed partnership to cement our relationships with major media outlets in the region by championing good governance." "At NNC, we value the position of the media industry as a key partner in opening new doors for communicating positive corporate practices across a variety of targeted MSME sectors and students across the Gulf Region," he added. — SG
