SCCI hosts Sharjah Excellence Award Best Practices Forum 2024

Strengthening partnerships and youth contributions
The forum underscored SCCI’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with various business sectors and emphasised the significant role of youth in enhancing the communication industry. The event aimed to drive positive institutional practices within the UAE and across the region.

Key attendees and support from local institutions
Held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), the forum was attended by notable figures including His Excellency Salem bin Ali Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Sharjah, and Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, SCCI Board Member. Other key attendees included Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, Nada Al Hajri, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Excellence Award, and Jamal Saeed Buzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI. Representatives from Sharjah Police General Directorate, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), and Sharjah Media City (Shams) were also present.

Delving into media’s role in society
The forum explored topics related to traditional and modern media, emphasizing their societal influence and the role of effective communication in building relationships between organisations and community members. Discussions also focused on achieving excellence and innovation in the government media and communication sector to foster a knowledge-driven, creative economy.

Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi’s remarks on excellence and innovation
In his address, Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi highlighted that the Best Practices Forum is a key milestone for the Sharjah Excellence Award, an annual event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting quality, institutional excellence, and the adoption of best practices in the private sector to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth across the UAE and GCC.

Expert panel discussion on media practices
The forum featured a panel discussion with experts, academics, and distinguished speakers in communication and media. Among the speakers were Nayla Al Khaja, the first Emirati female film producer, director, and scriptwriter, and Alya Al Souqi, Head of PR and Media Relations at SCTDA. The discussion also included Abdullah Al Sharhan, Director of Creative Services at Sharjah Media City (Shams), and Majid Khaled Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Sharjah Youth Council.

Exploring communication trends and the role of youth
The session covered various best practices adopted by institutions recognised by the Sharjah Excellence Award. Key topics included enhancing communication within institutions, the role of digital and social media, and the continuing influence of traditional media on business operations.
Speakers also discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into communication practices, and the importance of media in shaping decision-making in the age of technological advancements. The forum acknowledged the crucial role of youth in driving future media transformation and leading innovative media practices.