Education and media are essential for a nation’s progress. Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) stressed on this, as he highlighted why Sharjah has on the one hand been investing in building institutions like the University of Sharjah and American University of Sharjah and, on the other hand, it has been working to strengthen its media and communication sector.
Mr Allay was speaking at the annual ENEX General Assembly in Dubai that saw participation from several international commercial TV broadcasters and media organizations.
“Guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate has been the first in the region to recognise the importance of government communication and the positive role the media can play in delivering positive change and fruits of progress to all stakeholders,” Mr Allay said.
Hosted by Al Arabiya TV at The Grand Habtoor Hotel, ENEX General Assembly attracted the CEOs and news directors of more than 50 broadcasters and media firms including the likes of CBS, Sky News, RTL and TBS and players from the Middle East media.
Explaining Sharjah’s vision and the steps taken on the media front, Mr Allay said, “Ours is the first emirate to form its own media council, which includes Sharjah Media Corporation (radio and TV), Sharjah Government Media Bureau and Sharjah Media City, a fully independent media free zone that is being developed with world-class infrastructure and facilities.”
The Director of the SGMB, the media and communication arm of the Sharjah government, pointed out that Sharjah has been playing a leadership role in the media and communication sphere with initiatives like the annual International Government Communication Forum, which attracts around 3,000 world leaders, influencers and communication experts. The Emirate also rewards excellence in this specialised field through its Government Communication Award.