The presence of an effective social media network is the symbol of a vibrant and transparent communications structure between the government and the public. It improves the overall dialogue between the two parties and sharpens the communications skills of the authorities at a time when the people are demanding more accountability from administrations. The two-day conference at the GCC Government Social Media Summit — with more than 250 regional and international communications and social media experts, decision makers and executives in attendance — tried to spread this message.
The summit highlighted the diversity of social media through six industry-specific workshops, customised to help delegates from various sectors such as government, health care, defence, tourism, foreign affairs and education, to better understand the needs of their particular audience groups. The UAE government has set up miscellaneous communication platforms through social media to interact with the people and receive valuable feedback from them in order to raise their own standards. This interface has a personal and human touch and is the cornerstone of the authorities’ fruitful interaction with the people.
