Dubai: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) is set to organize the fourth edition of the DXB500 Government Communication Training Programme as part of the Arab Media Summit 2026. The initiative marks a significant step in the emirate's ongoing efforts to elevate the capabilities of communication professionals within government and semi-government sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the upcoming cohort of the DXB500 programme will include 60 communication professionals from various Dubai entities. This year's edition is notable for its integration into the Arab Media Summit, providing participants with unparalleled access to the expertise of leading media figures and communication specialists attending the region's largest media assembly.
Participants will benefit from sessions at the newly introduced Government Communication Forum, featuring a lineup of esteemed local and international speakers. The Forum aims to address pivotal trends influencing the future of government communication while showcasing advanced practices worldwide, thus enriching the participants' practical knowledge and broadening their perspective on global media dynamics.
The DXB500 curriculum will concentrate on two crucial areas: behavioural insights and crisis communication. A workshop titled 'Behavioural Insights: Methods and Tools for Government Communication' will be conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), a global leader in leveraging behavioural science for public policy. This session will delve into strategies for crafting government messages that resonate effectively with target audiences.
Additionally, the IMI Media Academy will host a workshop called 'When Crisis Hits: Mastering Communication Under Pressure', focusing on honing skills essential for managing communication during high-pressure situations and crises. This includes strategies for handling real-time information flow and delivering precise and clear messages during critical events.
Hend Fekri, Director of Strategic Media Relations at GDMO, emphasized the strategic importance of the DXB500 programme in bolstering government communication in Dubai. She stated that the integration of the programme into the Arab Media Summit enriches the learning experience through a blend of specialized training, knowledge exchange, and storytelling skill development.
Huda Dahkooni, Manager of the DXB500 Programme, highlighted that the programme is designed to meet the practical needs of government communication teams, equipping participants with adaptable tools and methodologies to tackle emerging challenges effectively.
The DXB500 initiative is a testament to GDMO's commitment to advancing government communication frameworks in Dubai. Over its previous editions, the programme has successfully trained over 200 professionals, providing them with hands-on, practice-oriented training to navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape.