Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Media Bureau on Wednesday honoured government institutions with the Sharjah Government Communication Award (GCA) at Al Majaz Amphitheatre.
The award ceremony of the fifth edition was held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.
The winners were awarded in the presence of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Central Department of Finance, Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, and senior officials from various entities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad said the Sharjah Government Communication Award, launched in 2012 under the guidance of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has over the years successfully documented many outstanding practices and experiences in the field of government communications, inspiring and driving competitiveness among professionals.
“This reflects the development in work ethics and systems as well as further enhances our skills and approaches,” he said.
He underscored the continuing commitment of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau to further improve the culture of government communication in the region.
Shaikh Sultan also congratulated the winners, highlighting that everyone won through the pursuit of excellence and development, and the belief in the importance of effective communication mechanisms.
Madi Al Khamis, secretary-general of the Arab Media Forum and member of the award’s judging panel, noted that the award has been inspiring the staff of government communications departments in various institutions and agencies to push for advancement and constantly develop their skills.
He pointed out that this year, the Sharjah award has registered an increase of 40 per cent, having received 239 submissions from within the UAE and across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The winners
Sharjah Book Authority: Best Practices in Government Communication
Directorate of Town Planning and Survey: Best Government Website
Friends of Cancer Patients: Best Practices in Social Responsibility, UAE
Marwan Jasem Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq): Best Official Spokesperson
Federal Transport Authority — Land and Maritime: Best Government Communication Campaign outside UAE
Department of Economic Development, Ajman: Best Government Application, GCC
Faisal Al Naqbi and Ahmad Al Wali: Best Youth Initiative
Kuwait News Agency (KUNA): Best Media Initiative in Government Communication, GCC
Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme: Best Government Intercommunication Practice, UAE
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ: Best Government Communication Strategy, UAE
Ministry of Health and Prevention: Best Government Communication Campaign, UAE and GCC
Directorate of Public Works in Sharjah: Best Government Social Media Engagement, UAE and GCC
Selected categories
National Archives at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs: Best Communication Plan Award for Year of Zayed, UAE
Ali Al Olayani: Best Media Personality, Arab World
Sharjah Media Corporation: Leadership in Media covering the Arab region
Munther Al Muzaki: Influential Social Media Personality in Service of Public Interest
