(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) A UAE daily has said that the increasing role of social media in various aspects of life makes it imperative that these channels are utilised as key drivers in creating a positive impact on the society.

Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has rightly highlighted that social media channels have a major role in creating constructive engagement which can stimulate innovative thinking for the development of various sectors in the community through the sharing of experiences at the local and regional levels.

"There is little doubt that the UAE has offered through the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit highly innovative and proactive ideas to the world to explore the future and find the best practical processes that can contribute to the service of the community," said The Gulf Today in its editorial on Thursday.

It continued, "The country has always been in the forefront when it comes to embracing progressive ideas that benefit the entire society. The fact that the summit brought together more than 1,500 social media experts from Arab countries and across the world vindicates that point."

"Interestingly, the largest percentage of individual and institutional participations at the Arab Social Media Influencers Award were in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, which honours optimal use of social media in providing services to the society. It was followed by Blogs and Media categories."

The winner in Blogs category, Abdullah Al Dhaheri Blog, highlights how social media could be used effectively for the benefit of the society. The blog has been launched by Mira Ahmed Al Dhaheri in the name of her brother, Abdullah, who suffers from Down syndrome.

Remarkably, the blog provides specialised information in Arabic to raise awareness about Down syndrome and carries stories of this disorder from around the world. The blog has also championed several campaigns, including "Do Not Let Me Down," which aims to promote community awareness on this disorder.

The idea behind the summit was clearly to motivate creative thinking for the development of various sectors in the community and to benefit from the views and experiences on the local, regional and global levels.

The paper concluded by quoting Sheikh Mohammed as saying, "The efforts of the winners have helped spread the best methods in the use of social networks and encouraged optimal and responsible use of these platforms to contribute to the development of Arab societies towards a brighter future."