Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) is set to launch the eighth edition of its 'Ithmar' media training programme tomorrow. Organised by the Sharjah Press Club (SPC), this month-long initiative aims to engage students aged 10 to 17 through various interactive workshops that blend theoretical understanding with practical skills in media and digital content creation.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year's edition places a spotlight on short-form video production, acknowledging the increasing importance of digital platforms in disseminating information and knowledge. The programme's practical component is critical, as participants will partner with several government entities in Sharjah to create short videos addressing topics pertinent to these organisations. This collaboration will not only allow students to apply their learning but also offer insights into the community roles these entities fulfill.
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, highlighted that 'Ithmar' continues to provide young people with the chance to enhance their media skills and voice their ideas through informed and responsible communication. He mentioned that this year's focus on short-form video aligns with the swift evolution of media and digital content, which are increasingly significant among the younger demographic.
Allay further elaborated that the programme's practical aspect allows students to engage with government entities, exploring societal and future-related issues while transforming their learning into accessible digital content. He underscored that nurturing students' media skills equates to investing in a generation capable of understanding and producing media while engaging responsibly with digital platforms.
The initial week of the programme, scheduled from July 6th to 9th, 2026, will feature four workshops conducted by media professionals at various venues across Sharjah. The training will begin with a "News Reporting" workshop at Gallery X in Al Majaz Amphitheatre, followed by a session on "Creating Digital Content for Social Media" at the Rain Room. Subsequent workshops include "Photography and Visual Storytelling" at the Photography Gallery and "Capturing Attention: From Simple Ideas to Engaging Content with AI" at Al Majaz Studio. These workshops are designed to equip participants for the programme's practical phase.
Participants will be guided through the entire content production process, from idea development and scriptwriting to filming, editing, and producing digital content. The programme also aims to bolster participants' confidence, enhance their communication skills, and promote teamwork, while encouraging the effective use of digital media.
This edition will also welcome selected graduates from previous iterations of 'Ithmar' who have demonstrated a keen interest in short-form video production, allowing them to refine their skills through advanced practical training.
