Sharjah:H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, has honoured the winners of the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA). The event, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), recognized institutions and individuals for their contributions to communication that serve society and address development challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony emphasized the award's role in building trust and achieving measurable results through effective communication practices. Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, highlighted the importance of communication as a form of soft power, contributing to societal advancement and community engagement.
The SGCA, launched under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has received over 9,500 entries in the past five years. The 13th edition has expanded its categories to include contemporary priorities such as quality of life, cultural identity, youth empowerment, social responsibility, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Media professional Ali Jaber, a jury member, discussed the impact of AI on media and communication, urging government institutions to prepare for challenges such as misinformation and cyberattacks. He noted that 433 submissions from 31 countries advanced past the initial screening stage.
Recommendations from the jury included recognizing supporting teams in the Best Official Spokesperson category and exploring AI's role in submission screening. Special recognition was given to the UAE Ministry of Defence for its national contributions, with Brigadier-General Pilot Abdulnasser Mohammed Al Humaidi receiving the Outstanding Leadership in Government and Strategic Communication award.
Other notable awards included Best Arab Personality with Positive Social Impact, won by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, and the Global Impact through Soft Power award, presented to the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity. Sharjah Youth's 'Your Summer With Us' campaign and various government and private sector initiatives were also recognized for their contributions to youth empowerment and communication excellence.
The event concluded with honours for SGCA jury members and the screening committee, acknowledging their efforts in promoting innovation and professional practices in government communication.
Source Wam