Sharjah launches media awards

The initiative under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, will hold its inaugural edition in the last quarter of 2013. The award called for entries from across the Gulf region from Sunday till September next year.

Announcing the launch of the award at a Press conference, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “Today, we are pleased to share with you the launch of a new and first-of-its-kind initiative in the region— the ‘Sharjah Government Communication Award’. This platform has been designed under the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”

“The award builds upon our commitment to improve responsibility, professionalism and transparency in communication within the GCC countries and serves the interest of the public. This objective is based on the complementary role that government communication plays in conjunction with the media.” The award will feature three groups comprising 11 categories. The first group will be given away on the basis of the nominations and votes received by the independent Management Committee. The second group will be awarded through nomination by a government peer and voted for by the judging panel and includes two categories.

The third group with five categories applies to UAE residents only. The categories are self-nominated by independent entrants and voted for by the judging panel. The Press conference also announced the judging panel members for the award.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com