The session was attended by Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Bureau, alongside members of the jury committee.

Al Raisi said the award was continuing its evolution, with fresh categories introduced alongside established ones, and that its international footprint had grown considerably. Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, he said the award had attracted strong appetite for participation from a wide range of nationalities and that it had firmly established itself as an international platform for ideas and experience in government communication.

Al Raisi also pointed to artificial intelligence as an area that would need to occupy greater space within the award's framework, given the pace of change the world has seen recently. He said AI's capabilities were directly relevant to advancing government communication, strengthening its tools and making the delivery of messages to the public more effective and resonant—supporting innovation and opening new ground for participants to put forward meaningful ideas for the sector.

The jury committee members in attendance were Shihab Alhammadi, vice chancellor for financial and administrative affairs at the University of Sharjah; Ali Jaber, director of MBC Group and Dean of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communications at the American University in Dubai; Mohammed Majed Al Suwaidi, director of Sharjah Sports Channel; and Sami Al Reyami, journalist and columnist. The group discussed the latest developments in the award, including judging mechanisms and coordination with the working teams in preparation for the new edition.
Al Raisi closed by calling on anyone with ideas and innovations that strengthen or advance government communication and help deliver messages to the public in a clear and meaningful way— to enter the award.

SGMB welcomes jury committee members

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), and Her Excellency Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, welcomed the members of the jury committee and praised their contributions during previous editions. Allay commended the committee’s role in strengthening the award’s position as one of the leading specialised awards in the field of government communication.

Enhanced evaluation methodology

He noted that the upcoming edition will introduce significant enhancements to the evaluation methodology, with greater emphasis placed on the impact and long-term outcomes of participating initiatives and projects, alongside the quality of planning and execution. This approach is intended to ensure that the award continues to recognise the most influential communication initiatives and those that bring benefits to society.

New voting system introduced

Members of the jury committee, which includes a distinguished group of communication and media experts, were also briefed on a newly developed voting system introduced by the SGMB. The system has been designed to keep pace with technological advancements while reinforcing the accurate and consistent application of judging criteria.

Distinguished attendance

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Jalal Al Raisi, Head of the Jury Committee, His Excellency Sami Al Reyami, journalist and columnist; His Excellency Shihab Alhammadi, Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the University of Sharjah, His Excellency Ali Jaber, Director of MBC Group and Dean of the Mohammad Bin Rashid School of Communications at the American University in Dubai, and Muhammad Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Sports Channel.

Focus on digital technologies and AI

During the meeting, members reviewed the award’s categories and assessment criteria and discussed opportunities to further strengthen the judging process through digital technologies and artificial intelligence, in line with the UAE’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across sectors.

Allay said the award continues to contribute to the advancement of communication practices by recognising initiatives that help build trust, support development goals, and strengthen engagement with communities. He added that the pace of change across the sector, particularly in artificial intelligence, requires continuous development of the award’s framework to reflect emerging trends and future industry needs.

Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Al Raisi said the award has earned a prominent place among communication awards, encouraging innovation and raising professional standards across the communication sector.

He emphasised that the jury remains committed to keeping pace with the latest developments in communication sciences and emerging technologies as the award continues to evolve and attract outstanding and impactful initiatives and projects.

Recognising Impactful Communication Initiatives

SGCA continues to recognise individuals, institutions, and initiatives that contribute to the development of communication practices and make a positive impact on communities.