Sultan bin Ahmed engages with key media stakeholders at GMC

Upon his arrival, His Highness was warmly received by a distinguished group of officials, including Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; and Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. Also present were Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Sharjah Media Council; Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director of Sharjah Media City (Shams); Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; along with various officials and media professionals who joined to extend their greetings.

At the start of his visit, His Highness made a stop at the UAE Media Council pavilion, where he explored its key activities during the Congress and learned about its initiatives to strengthen media relations with various institutions across the country.

His Highness toured the Sharjah pavilion at the exhibition, which showcases the efforts of the Sharjah Media Council. This collective comprises the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Media City (Shams).
His Highness received a comprehensive overview of the Sharjah pavilion, which features various platforms showcasing key media projects from the authorities. These initiatives aim to highlight the identity and vision of Sharjah, reflecting its leading role in the media landscape through its diverse entities. This approach aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing the media's crucial role in promoting stability and cohesion within society while also preserving the identity, history, and rich Arab and Islamic heritage, in addition to supporting talented individuals and professionals in producing meaningful and distinguished content.
His Highness was briefed on the most prominent projects that provide modern technical and smart solutions used by government media agencies in the Emirate of Sharjah, in implementation of the directives of His Highness the Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council to adopt modern technologies to develop media tools and enhance the production and dissemination of purposeful content for the community.
The Sharjah pavilion continued its series of discussion sessions and training workshops organised by the SBA, SGMB, and Shams. The discussions covered a variety of topics, including food security, the applications of artificial intelligence, and the connection between academic programs and the media job market. Additionally, attendees explored the government communication governance guide, while also gaining insights into the art of content creation using artificial intelligence, effective writing for social media, and empowering youth in the field of media.
The session titled “Integration between Agriculture and Investment: Sustainable Food Security” featured insights from Dr. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, the Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, and Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, the Executive Director of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. The discussion was skillfully moderated by media professional Ahmed Sultan. The session highlighted Sharjah’s comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable development through investments in the agricultural sector. This model effectively merges environmental innovation with food security—an accomplishment realised through the visionary leadership of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.
The session showcased the innovative agricultural initiatives launched by Sharjah, particularly the Mleiha wheat farm. This project marks a significant advancement in boosting local agricultural production by utilizing smart farming techniques. It plays a crucial role in striking the right balance between increasing yields and protecting the environment. Moreover, it aligns with Sharjah’s efforts to conserve natural resources and ensure their sustainability for future generations. These initiatives have reinforced Sharjah's position as a leader in sustainable development. Additionally, the Mleiha Dairy Farm project stands out for its implementation of modern technologies that minimize environmental impact. Together, these efforts reflect Sharjah's vision of delivering high-quality food products sustainably.
The recent debate on “Media Specializations: Academic Courses and the Labor Market” featured Fadhila Al Muaini, President of the UAE Journalists Association, and Dr. Abeer Al Najjar, Professor of Media at the American University of Sharjah. Moderated by media professional Waleed Al Asbahi, the discussion focused on how well academic programs in media align with labor market needs. The speakers examined the relevance of the courses offered, the effectiveness of their teaching methods, and how well these programs prepare students with practical skills that blend both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. They emphasised the necessity for a stronger connection between academic studies and real-world applications, calling for updates that keep pace with the rapid technological advancements shaping the media landscape.
The Sharjah Government Pavilion hosted an engaging session titled “Reading a Book: A Guide to Government Communication Governance,” led by Dr. Ahmed Farouk, a member of the Academic Committee for the International Government Communication Forum. This session covered the fundamental concepts of government communication, highlighting its principles, significance, and objectives. It explored performance indicators and essential elements for implementing governance standards, as well as the mechanisms and success factors vital for effective governance. Additionally, the session provided practical guidelines to ensure that government communication departments can successfully implement governance systems.
On the second day of the Congress, the Sharjah pavilion hosted four engaging training programs. These included exploring the applications of artificial intelligence in the media, mastering the art of content creation with AI, effective writing for social media, and leveraging media platforms to empower youth. In the workshop focused on content creation, trainer Ahmed Khalifa shared insightful strategies and techniques for crafting texts using artificial intelligence. He highlighted how to effectively utilize generative AI programs, offered best practices for their application, and discussed ways to strike the right balance to ensure the successful creation of compelling digital content.
The workshop, led by trainer Rashid Al Naqbi, centered on the use of artificial intelligence in the media industry. It discussed how contemporary technologies are reshaping various tasks and highlighted ways to automate operations through AI. Additionally, the session explored Deepfake technology, looking into its multiple aspects and potential implications.
The Social Media Writing Workshop, led by trainer Mohamed Sameh, equipped attendees with essential techniques and strategies for crafting effective content across various social platforms. The workshop emphasized the importance of establishing a clear media identity and highlighted the ethical considerations of writing for social media. Additionally, it covered performance analysis methods that can be applied in message formulation and content development.
During the workshop by trainer Fatima Al Balushi, titled “Media Platforms as Tools for Empowering Youth,” participants gained valuable insights into the significant role media plays in shaping young people's awareness. They explored effective ways to utilize digital platforms and technology, developed essential media skills, and learned about various tools that contribute to these goals. Additionally, the workshop provided an introduction to key media values that are vital in today’s digital landscape.