Sharjah TV celebrates silver jubilee

Under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Media Corporation hosted a grand ceremony at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Sharjah TV.

The ceremony was attended by Shaikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office in Sharjah; Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Corporation; Shaikh Khalid bin Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation (DCA); Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development Department; Shaikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director-General of Sharjah Ruler’s office; and Shaikha Nawar Al Qasimi.

Also present at the ceremony were Major-General Hamid Mohammed Al Hudaidi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Abdullah Al Owais Chairman of the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah; Ibrahim Al Abed, Director-General of the National Media Council; Dr Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Director-General of SMC; Mohamed Khalaf, Manager of Sharjah TV & Radio; and a number of dignitaries, VIPs and special guests representing various government and private entities.

The attendees praised the outstanding role played by Sharjah TV since its inception 25 years ago in spreading awareness and promoting cultural and intellectual development congruent with Arab Islamic values and UAE traditions, as well as its keen commitment to achieve its core objectives of delivering a high quality content that address the specific interests and needs of all social groups. Sharjah TV also gives special precedence to the non-Arab community residing in the UAE and is committed to family, children, people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited income groups.

Speaking on the occasion, Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, said: “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sharjah TV in the presence of so many distinguished attendees, we are honoured to reaffirm our determination to move forward in implementing the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, who said, since the very beginning of Sharjah TV: ‘This TV must enter houses in a respectful and modest manner and you must take into consideration society’s commitment to hold on to its religion, traditions, and customs.’ We pledge to live up to these ideals and to deliver the message His Highness has taught us to the coming generations.”

During the ceremony, a documentary film about Sharjah TV was screened which presented the pillars upon which the corporation is based in delivering free and responsible content that contributes to developing culture and supports commitment to the Arabic language and Sharjah’s deep rooted traditions. The film highlighted the four new studios and their phases of development in terms of audio and visual techniques and all other technical aspects, with the aim of staying abreast of the highest international standards.

The film touched on the establishment of Sharjah Radio to complement the function of the TV, and the following establishment of Sharjah Sport Channel to meet the needs of sport fans and enhance the value of sport in the emirate and country, as well as the establishment of Channel 2 in three languages to promote awareness among non-Arab speakers residing in the UAE. The film presented the inception of Sharjah Media Training Centre, which addresses the ambitions of journalists and helps to develop their professional skills and experience. It also gave an overview of the inception of Al Sharqiya channel which is aimed at meeting the needs of people in the Eastern Region and Sharjah in terms of national, cultural, and heritage content.

In the same regard, Dr Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Director-General of SMC, said: “Sharjah TV is proud of the support of His Highenss Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow up and directives of Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. It is to them the development and excellence of the Sharjah TV can be attributed. We also highly appreciate the role played by the leadership of Sharjah TV and the commendable and praiseworthy efforts they have been exerting throughout their respective tenures over the past 25 years. We pay tribute also to all employees for their dedication and hard work and pledge to continue our commitment to serve the media message of Sharjah and the country.”

Attendees also watched another film titled “Faces from 25 Years” during the ceremony. The film documented photos of the pioneers and people who presently still work in Sharjah TV over 25 year in different radio and TV roles. The faces were of technicians, cameramen, audio mixers, directors, editors, anchors, and presenters in addition to people who filled many other positions in the Sharjah TV.

In another film, attendees were briefed on the new identity of Sharjah TV which includes 16 major events and landmarks, including the Book Roundabout and Culture Palace, “in reference to Sharjah’s cultural identity”, Al Noor Mosque, “in reference to its commitment to Arab-Islamic values”, and the University of Sharjah, “ referring to science, knowledge and civilisation”.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi inaugurated the new website of Sharjah Media Corporation which was launched in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Sharjah TV. The new website was developed using the latest technologies and includes advanced services for journalists and the audience in addition to other features and options for website visitors.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi honoured a number of Sharjah TV’s directors for their outstanding contribution to its development. The list of honourees included Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Shaikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the late Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in addition to Ahmed Salem Bu Samnoh, Mohammed Al Mousa, Abdullah Al Owais, Khalil Mohammed and Khalid Safar.

Since its establishment on February 11, 1989, by Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sharjah TV has been deeply concerned with the Arabic language and national identity. It highlights both environment and community issues, and follows up the country’s activities, giving special attention to family, children, and non-Arab community residing in the UAE. Sharjah TV broadcasts programmes that address social problems and traditional restrictions. It introduces comprehensive informational services in addition to fun and entertainment via programmes that are highly appreciated by viewers and has elevated the reputation of Sharjah TV in the country and region.