Emirates

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honours 10th SGCA winners

SHARJAH, 14th September, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), honoured the winners of the 10th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB).

A special awarding ceremony was held on Thursday on the sidelines of the closing of the two-day International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), whose 12th iteration took place in Expo Centre Sharjah and carried the theme 'Today's Resources… Tomorrow's Wealth'.

A film presentation spotlighted the paramount importance of acknowledging and revering the efforts dedicated to the preservation of current resources, echoing the Sharjah Government Communication Award's mission.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, said, “Those familiar with Sharjah's efforts to promote government communication to play a more important role in facilitating comprehensive and sustainable development, understand that this award embodies the emirate’s intentions to improve the standards first within the UAE, and then across the Arab region and the rest of the world."

Allay noted that over the past 10 years, SGCA has worked diligently to establish higher standards in government communication practices while continuously striving to provide models that contribute to overcoming challenges in various fields, including economics, the environment, society, health, and others.

“It is our collective duty to formulate communication strategies that are at pace with changing information trends, technologies, public perceptions and aspirations, and global events," the Director-General added.

He also pointed out that over the past two decades, the role of government communication has evolved substantially from being a one-sided messenger of the government to a facilitator of two-way dialogue and exchange between the governing and the governed.”

For his part, Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM) and Chairperson of the SGCA jurors committee, thanked H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for being the foremost supporter of initiatives like SGCA, which serve the community and advance institutions.

Al Rayssi said, “This edition of SGCA has successfully anticipated future transformations in government communication strategies and practices. It has also broadened its local and global outreach. The award combines inclusivity and specialisation, in addition to diversity in communication practices, making SGCA a leading international platform for identifying the responsibility and power of communication in overcoming global development challenges."

He added, “More importantly, SGCA has created new award categories to acknowledge the transformations being experienced by governments and societies worldwide, and reinforce the critical importance of recognising and rewarding new innovations in the field. The 12 Arab and 14 global award categories present the most significant models in communication practices and the most influential experiences and trends of our times.”

Al Rayssi revealed the recommendations put forth by the jury committee to develop and advance the award categories. He noted that the jury committee eliminated the Best Drama Work, Best Writer or Author in Government Communication Sciences, and Best Use of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Communication to Serve Community awards due to nominations not meeting the categories' respective criteria, and to be reconsidered in the coming editions.

The jurors committee also recommended strengthening efforts to organise specialised workshops for training communication professionals in making the best use of smart technologies. This is in response to the users' need for modern tools and technologies to enhance their abilities in utilising these technologies. The committee also recommended establishing the “Personality of the Year” award category to honour influential individuals in communities and acknowledge their significant impact on communication efforts.

Moreover, the jury recommended excluding top-level spokespersons, CEOs, and chairpersons of government entities and institutions from the Best Spokesperson award category to shine a light on tier-two spokespersons, such as managers and department heads, to promote and stimulate creativity and innovation in the workplace.

During the ceremony, the SGMB launched a first-of-its-kind report titled 100 Innovations in Government Communications 2023. It showcases 100 examples of how governments across the world are experimenting with bold and innovative communications approaches to rise to these challenges. The report is a result of a unique partnership between the SGMB and Apolitical from the United Kingdom, a global network and learning platform for government with a mission to build 21st-century governments that work for people and the planet.

Jessica van Onselen, Director of Communications and Marketing at Apolitical, presented the findings during an inspiring speech during the award ceremony. She highlighted the key aspects the report addresses to support government communication's employees. It serves as a source of inspiration for them to focus on communication scenarios within their respective contexts. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of proposed ideas, exploring new channels or technologies, and understanding how the methodologies employed can enhance the ability to influence and achieve desired outcomes.

Onselen said, “While preparing the list, we polled the Apolitical community of 200,000 public servants in 160 countries to ask if their government departments communicated clearly and creatively with the public. While 34 percent of them said only sometimes, 42 percent of them said they didn’t, showcasing the necessity of working to improve communication standards and adopt innovative experiences to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in government entities.”

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, won the "Best Spokesperson" category, while Dubai Customs won the "Best Government Communication Team" category.

In the "Best Integrated Communication Campaign" category, Abu Dhabi City Municipality was announced as the winner. Turning to the "Best Communication for Reputation Building and Management" category, Dubai Police Force was announced as the winner.

The "Best Campaign Celebrating Arab Culture" includes two sub-categories, the winner of the category “Best Campaign Supporting the Arabic Language” is the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the winner of the second category, “Best Campaign to Reinforce Arab Values and Identity” is the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah. In the "Best Social Responsibility Campaign" category, the winner is the National Housing Company (NHC) in Saudi Arabia.

The "Best Communication Targeting Youth" category includes three sub-categories. The winner in the first sub-category "Best Communication Programme to Support Youth Entrepreneurship and Projects" is the Federal Youth Authority (FYA) under the Ministry of Culture and Youth. In the "Best Campaign for Positive Impact on Youth Awareness and Practices" sub-category, the winner is the National Center for Non-Profit Sector in Saudi Arabia. Lastly, in the "Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication" sub-category, the winner is the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention Youth Council.

Global award categories – Winners
The global award categories have witnessed outstanding competition and have attracted exceptional entries from the region. In the "Best Communication Strategy for Crisis Management" category, the winner is the General Administration of Strategic Communication at the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

For the "Best Innovation in Government Communication'' category, which comprises two sub-categories, the UAE’s National Library and Archives (NLA), was announced as the winner in the first sub-category "Best Innovation in Government Communication". Meanwhile, the winner for the second sub-category "Best Initiative within the Annual Youth Challenge" was “Team B” of the AI Skills Camp.

In the "Best Food Security Programme Communication Plan" category, the winner was the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah. For the "Best Communication Initiative or Media Content to Promote Environmental Awareness" category, the winner was Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

In the "Best Communication Practices or Campaigns Addressing Developmental Challenges" category, the winner was Sulaiman Bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi Charitable Foundation in Saudi Arabia.

The winner of the "Best Communication Practice in Volunteer Campaign'' category award is the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. As for the "Best Communication through Media Content'' category, the winner is Bahrain's Atnafas Creative Production.

Meanwhile, the winner of "Best Applied Scientific Research in Government Communication" is Ghada Saif Thabet.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), Qatar, won the "Best Communication Strategy Utilising Sports" category, while the "Best Positive Social Impact Driver" was awarded to American Judge Frank Caprio, former Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence in the USA, whose compassionate rulings made him a global viral sensation on social media, earning him the reputation as "The Nicest Judge in the World."

Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, holder of the longest space mission in Arab history, spanning six months aboard the International Space Station as part of Mission 69, was awarded the newly established "Personality of the Year" award.

During the ceremony, the winner of the "Universities Challenge," organised in cooperation with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), was also announced. The winning team was "Sawab" Team, from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

The SGCA Jury members were also honoured during the ceremony for their efforts in assessing the nominated works for the award, followed by speeches by a selection of award winners.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).