Sharjah:The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced the shortlist for the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), with the winners set to be honoured on Monday, 2nd November. This year, the judging process emphasized the results and long-term impact of communication initiatives.
According to Wam, submissions were received from 31 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. A total of 433 entries passed the initial screening phase to reach the evaluation stage, where judges reviewed them based on results, impact, strategy, planning, and implementation.
The 'Best Communication Targeting Youth' category is divided into two subcategories. Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Youth's 'Your Summer With Us' initiative, and the Gulf Health Council are nominated for 'Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices'. Meanwhile, Dubai Municipality's Geographic Information Systems Centre, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, and Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office are listed for 'Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth'.
In the 'Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of Life' category, three Sharjah government entities have been shortlisted Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), and Sharjah Police. For 'Best Innovation in Integrated Communications', nominees include the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice.
The 'Best Crisis Communication Strategy' category features the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Justice, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). In 'Best Media and Communication Content', the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development are nominated, alongside Arabcast, Arab Nation, and Egypt Oil and Gas for the organisations and private-sector award.
For 'Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment', government nominees include Jordan's Zaha Cultural Center, The Big Heart Foundation's 'For the Children of Olives' campaign, and Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA). In the organisations and private-sector award, Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) and UNHCR's Refugee Zakat Fund are listed.
The Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD), the UAE Ministry of Culture, and the Palestine Monetary Authority are shortlisted for the government award in 'Best Creative Communication Targeting Children and Adolescents', with the Kalimat Foundation, Saudi Arabia's Traof Association for Orphan Care, and Bahrain's 'Rest Assured…Bahrain is Well' initiative in the organisations and private-sector award.
Under 'Best Campaigns Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language', the UAE Government Media Office, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Culture are nominated for 'Best Campaigns Promoting Emirati Identity'. Other nominees include Oman Investment Authority (OIA), House of Wisdom, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, Morocco's 'Jisr Al Daad' initiative, and Bahrain's Dar Al Bilad for Press, Publishing and Distribution.
For 'Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication', nominees include Bahrain's Dar Al Bilad for Press, Publishing and Distribution, Dubai Municipality, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
Individual awards feature the Sharjah Youth Council and Egypt's Basmat Nour Association in the 'Best Youth Initiative in Communication'. Shortlisted for 'Best Official Spokesperson' are Afra Al Hameli from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lt. Colonel Salem Mohammed bin Ali from Dubai's General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, and Dr. Ahmed Al Naqbi from the Sharjah Department of Housing.
The 'Best Changemakers in Digital Content Category' includes nominees Heyam Fahad, Youssef Karam, and Eisa Al Maazmi from the UAE in the under-18 category, and Meryem Derni from Morocco, Ahmed Mubarak from Saudi Arabia, and Abdul Aziz Al Mutawa from Kuwait in the over-18 category.
Three papers are under consideration for 'Best Research in Communication Sciences', submitted by Dr. Amr Abdel-Hamid and Dr. Mahmoud Sayed, Dr. Himanshu Grover, Dr. Neeharika Kushwaha, Dr. Assia Nahla Shireen, and Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril and Dr. Riyadh Al Fraiji.
The Partner Awards shortlist includes initiatives addressing environmental protection, digital engagement, climate adaptation, public-private cooperation, and the use of artificial intelligence in community services.
The Al Majaz Amphitheatre will host the 'Best Innovators Competition in Smart Communication' from 28 October to 1 November, culminating in the awards ceremony. The SGCA jury committee, chaired by Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, includes media and communication specialists Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Dr. Ahmed Al Arfaj, Sami Al Reyami, Shihab Al Hammadi, Ali Jaber, Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi, and Mona El Shazly.