Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), emphasized that the centre has become an independent media entity, with its vision and identity as a distinguished media centre dedicated to developing excellent channels of government communication in the UAE and the region, while keeping abreast with Sharjah's developments and successive achievements as well as the Emirate's internationally acclaimed position.Sheikh Sultan's acknowledgements occurred during the annual Iftar banquet organized by SMC at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, in honour of various media and department heads and staff, with a view to strengthen the strategic relation between the centre and various media institutions, and in recognition of the major role played by the media in raising awareness about community and cultural issues.
The Iftar banquet was attended by The evening was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Public Programming & Outreach Officer at Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor and CEO of Al Ihsan Charity Association, also known as the “Green Sheikh", HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HE Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Director General of Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC), Dr Rashad Mohammed Salim, Director of Al Qasimia University, Khalifa Al Shaibani, Director General of Tilal Properties, Mohammed Burhan serves as Chief Executive Officer at CNBC Arabia, Paiman Al Mulla, Regional Manager at BMW in Sharjah, Osama Samra, Director of SMC; as well as a large number of local, Arab and media representatives and thought leaders and literary figures from the emirate of Sharjah and the UAE .
The Iftar event took place after the conclusion of SMC's fourth Ramadan Majlis hosting an elite society of ministers, intellectuals and media figures from the UAE and beyond, during its seven sessions dedicated to discussing a range of social, cultural, artistic, media, political and sports issues with the help of a number of officials and experts. During the event, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: "Amidst the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan with its reflection and manifestations, and inspired by the values of connection, solidarity and love, we meet today on this Ramadan evening, which has become an annual tradition that brings us together as one family. This evening stems from our eagerness to communicate with colleagues and friends from all media institutions whom we are proud of, our cooperation to highlight Sharjah's achievements, projects and initiatives, as well as the events, exhibitions and conference it organizes throughout the year."
He added: "Just recently, we’ve pulled down the curtain on our fourth Ramadan Majlis, which was developed by the SMC team, inspired by the thought and visions of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. We were also keen to enrich these evenings with topics in the areas of culture, intellect and dialogue to become an Emirati platform that conveys UAE's messages to recipients in the country and abroad."The SMC Chairman highlighted the major initiatives launched by SMC, including International Government Communication Forum and Sharjah Government Communication Award. The Centre also launched other development initiatives in the media sector, organised training programmes that helped develop the efficiency and competence of talented Emiratis in the media field and attracted the fresh Emirati graduates, enhancing Emiratisation rates.Concluding, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasized that Sharjah Media Centre resolved to launch programmes and initiatives that support Sharjah's steps towards sustainable development, in keeping with developments and successive achievements made by the Emirate and increased international recognition.
He praised the immeasurable support extended by the Sharjah Executive Council under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, as well as the participation and support of all government departments, which have contributed significantly to achieving these accomplishments.During the evening, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Osama Samra honoured sponsors and strategic partners of the SMC Ramadan Majlis, in recognition of the outstanding efforts they exerted to ensure the Ramadan Majlis lives up to Sharjah's internationally acclimated reputation and its cultural pioneering.This year’s Sharjah Ramadan Majlis’ official sponsor is Tilal Real-estate, media partners are Sharjah Media Corporation and CNBC Arabia, and transport Sponsor BMW. The first session was sponsored by Madarek publishing house, the Arab Scientific Publishers, and Knowledge Without Borders; the second by the Government Communication Office of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers; the third by the Theatrical Association of Sharjah, the fourth by the Sport Investment UAE, and the seventh session by Funn and Bidaya Media.