Sharjah:The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced the shortlist for the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), with winners to be celebrated on Monday, 2nd November. This year, the judging process emphasized the results and long-term impact of communication initiatives.
According to Wam, submissions for the awards came from 31 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, with 433 entries advancing past the initial screening to the evaluation stage. Judges assessed entries based on their results and impact, strategy and planning, and implementation.
The 'Best Communication Targeting Youth' category is divided into two subcategories, with nominations for Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Youth's 'Your Summer With Us' initiative, and the Gulf Health Council in 'Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices'. Additionally, Dubai Municipality's Geographic Information Systems Centre, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, and Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office are contenders in 'Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth'.
Three Sharjah government entities are vying for the 'Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of Life', namely the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), and Sharjah Police. Meanwhile, nominees for 'Best Innovation in Integrated Communications' include the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice.
In the 'Best Crisis Communication Strategy' category, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Ministry of Justice join the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The 'Best Media and Communication Content' government award shortlist includes the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, with Arabcast, Arab Nation, and Egypt Oil and Gas nominated for the organizations and private-sector award.
Jordan's Zaha Cultural Center, The Big Heart Foundation's 'For the Children of Olives' campaign, and Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) are government nominees for 'Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment'. Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) and UNHCR's Refugee Zakat Fund are contenders in the organizations and private-sector category.
The Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD), UAE Ministry of Culture, and Palestine Monetary Authority are shortlisted for the government award in 'Best Creative Communication Targeting Children and Adolescents'. The organizations and private-sector award includes the Kalimat Foundation, Saudi Arabia's Traof Association for Orphan Care, and Bahrain's 'Rest Assured…Bahrain is Well' initiative.
Nominations for 'Best Campaigns Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language' include the UAE Government Media Office, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Culture for 'Best Campaigns Promoting Emirati Identity'. 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 are recognized in the same category.
In 'Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication', the nominees are 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 for 'Best Youth Initiative in Communication'. 'Best Official Spokesperson' nominees include 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' boasts six nominees split across two age groups 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.
For 'Best Research in Communication Sciences', three papers are under review, 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 focused on environmental protection, digital engagement, climate adaptation, public-private cooperation, and the use of artificial intelligence in community services.
The 'Best Innovators Competition in Smart Communication' will be held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre from 28 October to 1 November, culminating in an 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.
