Dubai's ruler merges media teams into one office

The ruler of Dubai, trying to manage a debt crisis, is to consolidate the Gulf Arab emirate's media and branding teams into one office headed by his own media advisor, a statement said on Sunday. Dubai, one of seven members of the United Arab Emirates federation, has been scrambling to rebuild its image after a $26 billion debt bombshell in November that analysts say was poorly managed. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has issued a law "to establish Dubai Media Office, which will be annexed to the ruler's court", the statement said. The ruler appointed Ahmed al-Sheikh, his media advisor, to manage the office which will include Dubai Press Club and two marketing and branding offices established last year, BrandDubai and Falcon. The office will handle all media relations for the ruler, his crown prince and Dubai government officials.