The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), a subsidiary of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will organise five virtual training programmes between September 19 – 23, to enhance the capacity of professionals in the industry and initiate conversations around various topics concerning effective government communications.

The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC),  a subsidiary of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will organise five virtual training programmes between September 19 – 23, to enhance the capacity of professionals in the industry and initiate conversations around various topics concerning effective government communications.

The training sessions will be held as part of IGCC’s COMMS programme in the lead up to the 10th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF).

The COMMS programme will commence on September 19 at 10am with a session titled ‘Communicative Crisis and Risk Management through the CERC Model’ and will be led by Dr. Rahima Aissani, Assistant Professor at the College of Communication, University of Sharjah. At 11:15 am Dr. Ahmed Farouk, Head of the Department of Public Relations at University of Sharjah, will lead the session titled ‘Government Communication: Building Trust and Participation Factors’.

The third training session, titled ‘Ethics of Government Communication’, is scheduled for September 21 at 11.15am and will be presented by Dr. Sheren Ali Mousa, Faculty Member at the College of Mass Communication, Ajman University. On Thursday, September 23, Dr. Mohammad Ayish, Professor at the American University of Sharjah, will lead the session titled, ‘The Importance of Big Data and Social Analytics in Government Communication’, at 10am.

The COMMS programme will conclude its virtual training sessions with ‘Digital Content Creation Skills for Government Communication Platforms’ at 11.15am. The session will be presented by Dr. Amr Mohamed Abdelhamid, Assistant Professor at the College of Communication at Al Qasimia University, Egypt.

Individuals and/or organisations interested in attending the sessions can register on: https://shjmeeting.webex.com/meet/hend.almatrooshi

10th International Government Communication Forum

The 10th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) will be held on September 26 – 27 under the theme, ‘Historic lessons, Future ambitions’ at Expo Centre Sharjah. The two-day event, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), aims to evaluate the historical experience of government communication, discuss its current realities, and envision its future regionally and globally.

The forum will discuss mechanisms to be future-ready for challenges resulting from unpredictable global scenarios and conditions and analyse government communication responses towards crises and devise scientific strategies that lay the foundation for effective communication mechanisms.

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Unit 2 will add a further 1,400MW of clean electricity to the grid when at full capacity

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced that its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), has connected Unit 2 of the Barakah nuclear energy plant to the UAE grid.

Following the start-up of Unit 2 last month, the Barakah plant became the first multi-unit operating nuclear plant in the UAE and Arab world.

After its connection, Unit 2 is in preparation to adding a further 1,400MW of clean electricity capacity to the UAE grid, with the first megawatts of emissions-free electricity from this unit now being dispatched to businesses, schools and homes, Abu Dhabi Government Media Office reported.

This takes ENEC and its subsidiaries closer to the half-way mark of its goal to supply up to a quarter of the country’s electricity needs 24/7, while driving reductions in carbon emissions, a statement said.

During the grid connection, the Unit 2 generator was integrated and synchronised with the requirements of the UAE’s national electricity transmission grid, ahead of the start of commercial operations. With the integration and connection complete, Unit 2’s nuclear operators will begin the process of gradually raising the power levels of the reactor, known as Power Ascension Testing (PAT). Once the process is completed, Unit 2 will deliver thousands of additional megawatts of clean baseload electricity.

This testing will be conducted under the oversight of the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, FANR, which has now conducted more than 335 inspections since the start of Barakah’s development. This is in addition to over 42 missions and assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the statement added.

The Nawah teams at Barakah have worked with the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), who constructed the overhead lines to connect the plant to the Abu Dhabi grid – ensuring the power generated at Barakah is safely delivered to consumers nationwide.

Unit 1 of the plant is now producing clean electricity around the clock while Units 3 and 4 are in the final stages of commissioning, at 95 per cent and 91 per cent completion respectively. The development of the Barakah plant as a whole is now more than 96 per cent complete. When fully operational, the plant will produce 5.6 gigawatts of free carbon electricity.

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Under the slogan “Sustainable Urban Planning and Competitive Services”, the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey (SDTPS) approved its strategic plan 2022-2024, during a meeting held on Wednesday on the Flag Island in the Emirate of Sharjah.

His Excellency Eng. Khalid Butti Obaid bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey (SDTPS), directors of departments and specialists, in the Office of Strategic Planning and Follow-up, attended the meeting.

His Excellency the Chairman  of  SDTPS indicated that the new strategic plan comes within the framework of keeping pace with the new global changes after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with regard to work systems in institutions, the quality of services they provide to the public, community participation and improving the system of partnerships and cooperation with service entities.

His Excellency pointed out that the new strategic plan is consistent with its strategic objectives and the ‘Principles of the 50′, document of the United Arab Emirates, which represents a platform for the country’s strategic path at all levels.

His Excellency stated that the strategic plan 2022-2024 included 4 main axes, which are: the axe of pioneering and sustainable urban environment, a competitive and innovative services axis, the axis of partnership and cooperative relations, and the axis of distinguished institutional enablers. All of which aim to achieve a number of strategic objectives, such as designing and developing a parallel and comprehensive urban environment according to the latest architectural and urban designs to be compatible with the urban culture and the architectural identity of the Emirate of Sharjah. In addition to promoting innovation and competitiveness in the provision of main, subsidiary and joint services, developing service delivery channels with re-engineering operations, including smart systems and electronic services, developing digital platforms and smart applications to achieve integration in services and provide excellent customer experience.

For her part, Fatima Al Hussan, Director of the Strategic Planning and Follow-up Office in SDTPS, drew attention to the importance of strengthening communication with all strategic partners, activating qualitative partnerships with all local, regional and international institutions related to the nature of the department’s work. In addition to benefiting from the outstanding community cadres and enhancing community involvement for all those concerned with the urban development process in the Emirate

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, announced the launch of the tenth session of the International Government Communication Forum on September 26 at the Expo Center Sharjah, under the slogan “Lessons from the past, ambitions for the future , with the participation of senior and elite government officials, experts and influencers in the Communications sector at the local, regional and international levels.

In its two-day meeting, the forum will discuss historical experiences in government communications, the most prominent past stations to date and their transformations, and ten years after its convening, the forum looks ahead to the future of government communications at the regional and global levels. It also discusses the realities of government communication in terms of mechanisms, tools and variables in the patterns and behavior of the masses.

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasized that the tenth session of the forum aims to increase the effectiveness of government communication teams to contribute to meeting all the challenges posed by global changes in the present and future , explaining that choosing the logo of the forum comes as an acknowledgment of the gains of ten years of running the forum, in which we have succeeded in respecting the rules and principles of government communication practice in the UAE and the region so that we are now in a new phase where we look forward to anticipating the future of government communications so that we can take another step in the future of government communications globally in the name of Sharjah and the UAE. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “The specificity of this session stems from the fact that it took place after a global crisis that emphasized the importance of governments’ ability to communicate effectively and effectively with the public. It also called a number of raises crucial questions about the impact of the various challenges on the government communication sectors in official and semi-governmental institutions and international community organizations, and how they will reshape the future of government communication by taking advantage of the experience that government communication teams and specialists have for the responsibility to keep pace with transformations based on forward-looking plans based on current reality, past experiences and tomorrow’s expectations.

During the dialogue sessions, workshops and inspiring speeches, the forum focuses on seven main themes: mapping the historical experience of government communication, especially in times of crisis, examining reality data and building visions, developing mechanisms to be ready for the transformation imposed by changes as a necessity for creating the future and achieving the aspirations of societies, and analyzing the use of government communication Coming into the world with crises and scientific results that establish effective communication mechanisms, in addition to discussing the content industry on social platforms and the extent to which the power of traditional media continues to influence mass communication.

Topics also include a discussion of the future of government communications, its roles, sciences, and methods, and how it maintains its role in delivering messages effectively, especially in light of the information epidemic and contemporary challenges, and an overview of the role of storytelling technology in communicating government communication messages and the extent to which it supports public response, as well as addressing strategies for the impact of government communication teams. data and the mechanisms for studying audience patterns and the magnitude of their psychological response.

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Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, announced the launch of the tenth session of the International Government Communication Forum on September 26 at the Expo Center Sharjah, under the slogan “Lessons from the past, ambitions for the future , with the participation of senior and elite government officials, experts and influencers in the Communications sector at the local, regional and international levels.

In its two-day meeting, the forum will discuss historical experiences in government communications, the most prominent past stations to date and their transformations, and ten years after its convening, the forum looks ahead to the future of government communications at the regional and global levels. It also discusses the realities of government communication in terms of mechanisms, tools and variables in the patterns and behavior of the masses.

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasized that the tenth session of the forum aims to increase the effectiveness of government communication teams to contribute to meeting all the challenges posed by global changes in the present and future , explaining that choosing the logo of the forum comes as an acknowledgment of the gains of ten years of running the forum, in which we have succeeded in respecting the rules and principles of government communication practice in the UAE and the region so that we are now in a new phase where we look forward to anticipating the future of government communications so that we can take another step in the future of government communications globally in the name of Sharjah and the UAE. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “The specificity of this session stems from the fact that it took place after a global crisis that emphasized the importance of governments’ ability to communicate effectively and effectively with the public. It also called a number of raises crucial questions about the impact of the various challenges on the government communication sectors in official and semi-governmental institutions and international community organizations, and how they will reshape the future of government communication by taking advantage of the experience that government communication teams and specialists have for the responsibility to keep pace with transformations based on forward-looking plans based on current reality, past experiences and tomorrow’s expectations.

During the dialogue sessions, workshops and inspiring speeches, the forum focuses on seven main themes: mapping the historical experience of government communication, especially in times of crisis, examining reality data and building visions, developing mechanisms to be ready for the transformation imposed by changes as a necessity for creating the future and achieving the aspirations of societies, and analyzing the use of government communication Coming into the world with crises and scientific results that establish effective communication mechanisms, in addition to discussing the content industry on social platforms and the extent to which the power of traditional media continues to influence mass communication.

Topics also include a discussion of the future of government communications, its roles, sciences, and methods, and how it maintains its role in delivering messages effectively, especially in light of the information epidemic and contemporary challenges, and an overview of the role of storytelling technology in communicating government communication messages and the extent to which it supports public response, as well as addressing strategies for the impact of government communication teams. data and the mechanisms for studying audience patterns and the magnitude of their psychological response.

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The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) commended the wise approach and vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which has helped boost the resilience and adaptability of Sharjah’s economy, as well as enhanced its stability and growth, through providing a safe, stable, and attractive business environment that boosted Sharjah’s position on the global economic map.

This came during the 17th periodic meeting of the Board of Directors of the SCCI, which took place at the Chamber’s headquarters and was headed by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, SCCI Chairman, in the presence of Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qasimi, SCCI’s First Deputy Chairman; members of the Board of Directors; Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Chamber; Maryam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General of the Support Services Sector; and Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Member Services Sector and Director of the Sharjah Export Development Centre (SEDC).

The meeting also reviewed the semi-annual strategic plan for 2021, which includes a number of objectives, mainly focusing on revitalising and supporting the business sector to enhance its ability to overcome current challenges.

Discussions also focused on a number of future projects the SCCI is intending to launch, in addition to highlighting the Sharjah Summer Promotions, which started on 9th July and is set to continue until 26th August, 2021. Furthermore, the meeting discussed the latest preparations for the 5th edition of the Al Dhaid Dates Festival, which will take place at the Expo Centre Al Dhaid, from 22nd to 25th July.

Al Owais hailed the tremendous efforts being made by the wise leadership of the Emirate of Sharjah and its forward-looking vision, as well as the distinguished economic climate it provided to support business sectors and strengthen the development process of the emirate.

For his part, Al Awadi lauded the efforts exerted by the Chamber’s employees, resulting in a lot of positive indicators during the first half of this year, such as the rise in the number of certificates of origin, which reached 36,332 certificates, an increase of 588 certificates over the same period last year, while the total number of certificates of origin issued by free zones reached 1,156 certificates, an increase of 9 percent over last year.

The SCCI Board of Directors underlined commitment to consolidating the efficiency of the Chamber’s institutional performance and its tireless work to preserve all the gains made during the past period, reaffirming its determination to embrace best international practices that maintain the leadership and position of the private sector in the emirate, as well as enhance the emirate’s position as a regional and global business destination.

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The UAE Touches A Record High Despite Global Estimate, Investments Reaching AED73 Billion

Good crisis management is a guaranteed investment, UAE Vice-President said in a tweet

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said in a Tweet on Saturday that foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country rose 44 per cent in 2020.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said in a Tweet on Saturday that foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country rose 44 per cent in 2020.

“Despite the UN’s estimates that global foreign direct investment flows decreased by 42% in 2020 over COVID-19, the UAE witnessed 44% growth in FDI flows in 2020, compared to 2019, to reach AED73 billion,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.

The FDI inflows to the UAE grew 44.2 per cent in 2020 to $19.88 billion as compared to 2019, despite the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken its toll on the global economy, according to a report by the Ministry of Economy.

The cumulative value of foreign direct investments inflows amounted to $174 billion, a growth of 12.9 per cent during the reference period. FDIs covered all economic platforms, primarily the Oil & Gas, considering the massive investment partnerships struck by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with a number of foreign companies. The UAE has drawn FDIs for digital economy, including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, medical knowhow, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), robotics, self-drive automobiles, renewable energy, innovation, agritech, etc.

In terms of FDI outflows, they amounted to $9.2 billion and covered various vital economic sectors, including aviation, transportation, mining, renewable energy, real estate, construction, communication, oil & natural gas, traditional & renewable energy, logistics, ports and infrastructure, tourism, leisure, banking, and agriculture sectors.

“The investment landscape of the UAE has been steadily developing over the past years with the rapid introduction of progressive measures that have earned the nation a coveted position internationally while leading regionally thanks to the directives of our wise leadership to provide a business-friendly environment conducive to facilitating doing business and development that serves the greater good of the country,” said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy.

He added that the next period will see more measures to strengthen the investment landscape and grow investor confidence in priority sectors.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the significant growth levels secured by the UAE in terms of FDIs are reflective of increased investor confidence in the country’s investment ecosystem.

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UAE to allow investors full ownership of companies from June 1

The UAE, a dramatic move, announced on Wednesday that it would allow investors and entrepreneurs full ownership of companies from June 1, 2021.

Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq in a tweet confirmed that the latest decision is a new step that reflects the UAE government’s commitment to supporting the economy and enhancing its readiness for the future.

In November 2020, the UAE announced that the landmark reform allowing foreign investors 100 per cent ownership of businesses would take effect from December 1, 2020. However, after widening the scope of sectors eligible for full ownership by foreign investors, the law is now ready for roll out from June 1, 2021.

The long-anticipated and widely discussed reform, which will have game-changing implications on the investment landscape of the nation, was approved by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan last year.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said the UAE now enjoys a fertile legislative environment for foreign direct investors in order to enhance the nation’s competitiveness.

10 new sectors

Last month, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy said it is working on a new legislation to include 10 new sectors to the Commercial Companies Law, which allows 100 per cent foreign ownership of onshore companies in the country.

While speaking at the Seventh edition of Sharjah Economic Ramadan Majlis, Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE’s Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade and Industry, said this landmark legislation in the Commercial Companies Law is in its final stages of formation which will enable investors and business in 10 new sectors of strategic importance to come under the purview of the law.

As per the new foreign direct investment regime, several categories of business licences will no longer require Emiratis as sponsors with 51 per cent shareholding rights from December 1.

Go for new status

Al Saleh said the cancellation of the national service agent requirement came into force on April 1, and also affirmed that all current and previously licensed businesses in the UAE can amend their statuses according to the new amendments to the commercial companies’ law.

“Legislations that have been issued or those that will be enacted soon seek to increase the country’s competitiveness for both local and international investors, and advance business performance. These legislations are not the outcome of a crisis, but follow a clear vision of the country’s economic future envisioned collaboratively by federal, local, and private sector stakeholders,” Al Saleh said.

In 2020, recorded a 44.2 per cent surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) flow to Dh73 billion year-on-year on the back of a series of region-first reforms, including the 100 per cent business ownership law.

FDI flows during 2020 were mostly into digital economy, including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, medical knowhow, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), robotics, self-drive automobiles, renewable energy, innovation, and agritech, among others. The oil and gas sector was the busiest in attracting FDIs with Adnoc spearheading a number of big investment deals and partnerships.

Industry executive upbeat

Paras Shahdadpuri, chairman, Nikai Group of Companies, appreciated the latest initiative to grant 100 per cent ownership of companies from next month.

“This is the biggest master stoke I have seen in my three decades of business in the UAE of allowing 100 per cent ownership for the businesses. As is widely known, expatriates have been investing 100 per cent amounts in their businesses but have had to write in their licence 51 per cent investments in the name of our Emirati brothers. The investors always felt the threat of the Sword of Damocles and could never bring in more investment freely,” he said.

“Being the former Chairman of Indian Business Council and other economic fora, we have been talking with various top UAE authorities for about 15 years and I am personally extraordinarily happy that my representations have ultimately borne fruit.

“This master stroke will fetch billions of US dollars of FDI into UAE. The timing of the announcement could not have been more apt. With the upcoming Expo 2020 and with the global economy recovering after Covid pandemic, the entrepreneurs are looking for investments in progressive and safer countries like UAE. It has world class infrastructure and high-quality living environment; UAE can be the No. 1 destination for the investments,” he said.

A clear vision

Kamal Vachani, group director of Al Maya Group, said this is another landmark decision by the wise leadership of the UAE and their clear vision to support the country’s economic future.

“This game-changing step of full ownership of companies to expatriates from June 1, 2021, will further boost investors’ confidence. This new initiative reflects the UAE government’s commitment to support the country’s economy and attract more foreign investment into the country. It will help increase the UAE’s competitiveness for both local and international investors,” he said.

A welcome move

Mayur Batra, founder and CEO, MBG Corporate Services, said this is a welcome move and will help attract more investment in the UAE.

“Allowing foreign investors 100 per cent ownership in onshore companies is a momentous leap forward in the UAE’s remarkable economic journey. Flip to FDI increases capital investment and ushers in a golden era of economic growth,” he said.

“It is a welcome move that will also stimulate restructuring activities and more efficient capital reallocations, and also reduce UAE’s dependence on Oil and Gas. This is also in line with the hugely successful In-Country Value programme which continues to foster socio-economic growth. Above all, it will further enhance the UAE’s reputation as a dream hub of business, entrepreneurship, innovation and technology in this year of Expo 2020,” he added.

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“Year of the 50th” officially starts on April 6th 2021 and lasts until March 31st 2022.

The declaration is coupled with the announcement of year-long initiatives, activities, and grand celebrations that will be governed by the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Chairwoman. The committee has members representing various federal and local departments.

The activities marking “Year of the 50th” have the following foundational pillars:

• Launching the Year 50 with a festive spirit that engages all those who consider the UAE their homeland.
• Calling upon all UAE nationals to contemplate the values and achievements of the past in acknowledgement of the UAE Founding Fathers.
• Inspiring youth to have their vision about the ambitions of the next 50 years, while supporting them to make quality national achievements in furtherance of The March of Development, Progress and Prosperity.

H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed said, “Year of the 50th” represents a historic defining moment in our journey that started immediately after the declaration of the UAE’s union in 1971. It’s an acknowledgement of the resolute will and strong determination our Founding Fathers had while building up their nation. It also comes in recognition of the sincere efforts made by our citizens for our nation to be what we are seeing today as one of the best growing and fastest developing countries in the world.”

His Highness valued the efforts made by other foreign nationals who have shared with Emirati citizens the same journey and the efforts to build this young nation.

He added that “‘Year of the 50th’ is an opportunity to contemplate the achievements made over 50 years at a time we are gearing up for the next journey.”

The celebration includes a series of initiatives to behold the UAE’s revered history, noble values and unique achievements. These initiatives help delineate our future as the nation is heading toward its Centennial. In so doing, the nation will remain committed to building its future by relying on its youth and equipping them with all the skills they need to forge ahead with their plans for the future.

Sheikh Khalifa continued, “We are living in a rapidly changing world. Amid this change, there are opportunities up for grabs to drive innovation and creativity. Therefore, we’ll have to double efforts to generate novel ideas, and quality initiatives to preserve our heritage and values and protect the cultural diversity of our society. As such, these initiatives should contribute to creating a better tomorrow with a brighter future for our nation.”

The Golden Jubilee Committee was formed in December 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

In addition to Governing the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, developing a comprehensive preparation plan and forming organization teams to execute plans to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary in 2021, the Committee is working on a diverse agenda built on four strategic pillars that cover several development initiatives aimed at driving changes through socio-economic and developmental policies for generations to come.

The Sharjah Press Club (SPC), a subsidiary of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), has announced the tenth edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis, taking place from April 19 to May 3 at four different locations across the Emirate, including Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Sharjah, Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Holy Quran Academy, Sharjah, and Kalba Sports Club.

The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis’ sessions, to be held after Taraweeh prayers, will cover a wide range of contemporary topics including religious, cultural, sports, arts and social media communication issues, with the participation of HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, along with leading experts and specialists from across the UAE and the region.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, underscored the importance of the Ramadan Majlis’s role in celebrating and preserving the Emirati heritage and traditions and tackling critical issues that matter and cover a wide spectrum of human experience. He said: “The tenth edition of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis is being held in an exceptional circumstances due to the Covid-19 crisis that has imposed social distancing on everyone. However, it will not undercut the importance of humanitarian dialogue and the exchange of constructive views that serve societies and contribute to supporting their development.”

The Chairman of Sharjah Media Council stressed that the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis, which is based on the objectives and goals that are inspired by and are consistent with the vision and guidelines of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis through its past editions has been able to consolidate its position as a strategic platform of dialogue that contributes to enhancing the community awareness and strengthens social cohesion and brotherly bonds as well as building cultural bridges among people of the world through positive communication, he added.

Safety highest priority

On this occasion, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasised the organisers’ keenness and priority to maintain the safety of all participants and attendees of the Ramadan Majlis, stressing that all precautionary and preventive measures are being taken in the various venues of the Ramadan Majlis sessions in accordance with the health and safety guidelines prescribed by the Sharjah government to protect everyone from the Covid-19.

Five Strategic Sessions

The first session of the Ramadan Majlis will be held on Monday, April 19 at Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, titled “Reasons for Happiness in the World and the Hereafter.” Dr Ali Jumaa, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of Cairo’s Al Azhar Al-Sharif, Chairman of the Religious Committee of the Egyptian Parliament, and the former Grand Mufti of Egypt will speak on the issue. The session will be hosted by journalist Muhammad Al Suwaidi and will address the impact of praising and being eternally grateful to Allah, leading to Allah’s blessings and one’s contentment with one’s destiny.

The second session of Ramadan Majlis on social media communication will take place at Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah on Wednesday, April 21. Titled “The Pursuit of Fame… Material Gain or Talent?,” the session will tackle various facets of fame in social media communication and the responsibilities of the users of these platforms. Sami Al Riyami, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Al Youm newspaper and Talal Al-Buhairi, social media activist, will share their views. The session will be moderated by Muhammad Al Kaabi.

Future of UAE Football

The third session, “Local Football … Reality and Opportunities”, which will take place at the Ittihad Kalba Sport Club, on Monday, April 26th, will shed light on the state and the challenges of Emirati football and the opportunities that are available in the sport especially in the post Coronavirus phase. Former international players of UAE national team, Youssef Al Sahlawi, Second Vice President of the Emirates Football Association and Chairman of the Teams and Technical Affairs Committee, and Abdul Rahman Al Haddad, Coach of the Sharjah under 21 football team, will headline the session which will be moderated by Tariq Al Hammadi.

Role of Culture in Youth Awareness

The fourth Ramadan session will host HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth and Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, on Wednesday, April 28 at the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre. The two eminent Arab women leaders will address the impact of culture in promoting the youth awareness and the role of cultural institutions in building thought and the importance of preserving identity in light of the information revolution. The session will be moderated by Sheikha Al Mutairi.

Arts Session

Sharjah Ramadan Majlis will conclude its tenth edition with the Arts session titled “Comic Art between Laughter and Idea”, which will be hosted at the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre on Monday, May 3, with the participation of the Saudi artist Asaad Al Zahrani and the Egyptian artist Shaima Saif who will be discussing the role of art in addressing societal issues and the comic art and its importance. The session will be moderated by Khaled Al Hammadi.

On the sidelines of the sessions, the Ramadan Majlis will also feature a number of interactive competitions for the public offering attractive prizes worth more than Dh100,000.

The Sharjah Press Club is an initiative of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and is dedicated to serving the media and communication professionals by conducting training courses, networking events and orientation programmes throughout the year besides engaging regional and international media education and training organisations and other stakeholders.