Excellence in public trust: Sharjah’s government communication award celebrates innovation and impact

The 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award honours institutions and individuals reshaping how government builds connection with communities, from artificial intelligence to youth engagement and crisis response.

The morning light caught the assembly of government leaders, media professionals and innovators gathered in Sharjah on Monday to celebrate the institutions and individuals who have transformed how public communication serves society. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, presided over the ceremony honouring the winners of the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award, an initiative that has grown to attract more than 9,500 entries over the past five years.

The award, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau under the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recognises those whose work demonstrates measurable results in building public trust, raising awareness and engaging communities with their institutions. This year’s edition expanded its scope to reflect contemporary priorities including quality of life, cultural identity, youth empowerment, social responsibility and the emerging challenges of artificial intelligence.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, reflected on communication as a form of soft power that advances societies through trust and institutional connection. The 13th edition drew 433 submissions from 31 countries across four continents, each assessed through a unified methodology that prioritises strategic planning, implementation quality and genuine impact on communities.

The jury, led by media professional Ali Jaber, highlighted the urgent need for government institutions to prepare for the challenges posed by rapid developments in artificial intelligence, including misinformation, deepfakes and cyberattacks. The recommendations for future editions include strengthening crisis communication assessment, developing criteria for responsible AI use and studying how AI agents might assist in initial screening whilst human judgment remains central to final decisions.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed presented special recognition to the UAE Ministry of Defence for its role in national security and strategic communication. Brigadier-General Pilot Abdulnasser Mohammed Al Humaidi, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, received the Outstanding Leadership in Government and Strategic Communication award. The Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity was honoured with the Global Impact through Soft Power award, while Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, received the jury award for Best Arab Personality with Positive Social Impact.

Recognition extended across institutions demonstrating innovation in their communication approach. The Ministry of Finance won Best Innovation in Integrated Communications, while the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority received Best Crisis Communication Strategy. Sharjah Youth was recognised for its “Your Summer With Us” campaign supporting youth awareness and positive practices, and Sharjah Police won Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of Life.

The award celebrated organisations advancing digital engagement and cultural identity. The UAE Government Media Office received recognition for campaigns promoting Emirati identity, whilst House of Wisdom won for its work strengthening cultural identity and the Arabic language. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment led in Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication, reflecting the award’s growing emphasis on emerging technologies.

In individual categories, Lieutenant Colonel Salem bin Ali of Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs won Best Official Spokesperson, whilst researchers Himanshu Grover, Niharika Kushwaha, Varkey Pallathucheril and Nahla Shireen received recognition for their contributions to communication sciences. Digital content creators Yousef Karam from the UAE and Maryam Derni from Morocco won the Changemaker award in their respective age categories.

University innovation proved notable, with Khalifa University’s Sanad project winning the University Challenge, held in cooperation with United Arab Emirates University. The Shaheen project received the AI Skills Camp award, organised in cooperation with Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, signalling the award’s recognition of emerging talent shaping communication’s future.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award reflects broader transformation across the UAE in how government and institutions engage with citizens and communities. Awards to Abu Dhabi entities including the Department of Community Development and Dubai’s Community Development Authority demonstrate how communication excellence has become central to how emirati institutions build public trust and advance development priorities. The emphasis on quality of life, youth empowerment and social responsibility mirrors priorities that shape life across the emirate.

The award’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and digital communication offers guidance for Abu Dhabi’s own institutions navigating the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies. As the UAE considers how to harness AI responsibly whilst protecting citizens from misinformation and cyber threats, the frameworks and best practices recognised by the award become increasingly relevant to how government and civil society communicate with the public.

Source: WAM