His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday honoured the winners of the third Sharjah Government Communication Award (GCA 2016) at a special award ceremony that was held at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority Shurooq, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, and Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, as well as members of the Sharjah Executive Council, heads of government entities, senior government officials, media leaders and representatives from the UAE and abroad. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday honoured the winners of the third Sharjah Government Communication Award (GCA 2016) at a special award ceremony that was held at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority Shurooq, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, and Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Airport Authority, as well as members of the Sharjah Executive Council, heads of government entities, senior government officials, media leaders and representatives from the UAE and abroad.
In his speech, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continuous efforts to promote creativity and innovation in Sharjah. He pointed out that creativity in communication is a key factor of development in contemporary times due to its impact on relations between the community and institutions, and between individuals and the leaders of these institutions.
The SMC Chairman noted that awarding creative people recognises their efforts and achievements, and reflects the GCA's principles and noble mission. He said that since its launch in 2012, the award has attracted a multitude of leading figures and organisations and recognised several pioneers within its various categories, while highlighting many successful examples in government communication that deserve to be credited and followed for their important learned lessons.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: We seek to reinforce the GCA's position as an enabler of best practices in government communication that helps unveil promising experiences in improving relationships for a better future. The competition at this year's edition of the award witnessed some of the best experiences in government communication in regards to thought leadership, practices, messages and innovation.
Al Qasimi commended the enriching contributions of participants whose experiences in government communication help develop relations among all government entities and community members. He also praised the efforts exerted by officials and experts in government communication, in addition to journalists and media professionals, for their support and partnership.
During the award ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi received a memento from Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi in recognition of his support to SMC's initiatives and annual events, such as the International Government Communication Forum and Sharjah Government Communication Award.
Furthermore, and in line with Sharjah's status as Capital of Arab Press' for 2016, the GCA's Judging Panel presented a special award to Dar Al Khaleej, which has, since its inception in 1970, carried the name of Sharjah and the UAE to the world, and called for a unified Gulf vision based on Islamic roots and identity.
The Judging Panel, headed by Ibrahim Al Abed, Adviser to the Director General of the National Media Council (NMC), also honoured the reputed Saudi actor Nasser Al Qasabi in the Media Personality' category. This distinction recognised Al Qasabi's illustrious 30-year acting career, which has helped raise social awareness and reached out to all segments of society.
Sawab Centre, the joint initiative between the US and the UAE aimed at countering the extremist ideologies of ISIS (Daesh) online, received the Leadership in Media' award in recognition of its innovative concept, significant role in delivering Muslim moderate voices to the world, global reach, and success in communicating with local and international entities that fight extremist thinking.
The Directorate of Human Resources won the Best Practice in Government Communication, Sharjah' award, while Tarek Sultan Al Khadim Al Mansouri from the Directorate of Human Resources won the Best Official Spokesperson, Sharjah' award.
The Best Government Website, Sharjah' award was granted to the Sharjah Airport Authority. Dubai Police General Headquarters received the Best Media Crisis Management, UAE' award, while Dubai Customs received the Best Government Communication Strategy, UAE' award, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the Best Government Social Media Practice, UAE' award.
Both the Sharjah Directorate of Town Planning and Survey and Sharjah Department of Social Services won the Best Government Intercommunication Practice, UAE' award. The Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah won the Best Government Communicatio
