Secretary-General of the International Press & Media Organization (IPMO) – Netherlands: Reuters’ Inaccurate Report on Dubai Represents a Serious Breach of Professional Journalism Standards

The International Press & Media Organization (IPMO) – Netherlands expresses its deep concern over the inaccurate information published by Reuters regarding the Emirate of Dubai, which was promptly refuted by the relevant official authorities. The Organization considers this incident a serious breach of professional journalistic standards that warrants a comprehensive review and accountability in accordance with the highest principles of international journalism.

Counsellor Sultan Al Hosani, Secretary-General of the International Press & Media Organization (IPMO) – Netherlands, stated:

“The credibility enjoyed by leading international news organizations is not a privilege that places them beyond scrutiny. Rather, it carries an even greater responsibility to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, verification, and editorial integrity before publication. The pursuit of breaking news must never come at the expense of the fundamental principles of responsible journalism.”

He added:

“Publishing inaccurate information concerning the security and stability of nations can have consequences that extend far beyond the media landscape. Such reporting has the potential to undermine public confidence, damage the reputation of countries, disrupt financial markets, and negatively affect the investment climate. The responsibility of international media organizations therefore goes beyond correcting errors after publication – it begins with preventing them through rigorous editorial oversight and robust fact-checking mechanisms.”

Al Hosani called on Reuters to conduct an independent professional review to determine how the inaccurate information came to be published and to implement the necessary safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future, thereby preserving the agency’s credibility and maintaining the trust of the international public.

He further emphasized that any correction should receive the same level of prominence and visibility as the original report, in line with the principles of transparency and accountability that underpin professional journalism.

Concluding his statement, Al Hosani said:

“Freedom of the press is a fundamental value that the International Press & Media Organization firmly upholds. However, press freedom cannot be separated from professional responsibility. Credibility is built through rigorous verification and preserved through transparency. Any departure from these principles ultimately undermines the integrity of international journalism before it harms the countries that are the subject of news coverage. Responsible journalism places truth above being first, accuracy above speed, and professional integrity above all other considerations.”