The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has called for submissions to the 12^th edition of the prestigious Sharjah Government Communication Award (SCGA), with entries being accepted until June 19, 2025. The coveted annual award honours excellence and innovation in government communication across a wide spectrum of sectors and categories.

The winners will be announced during an official ceremony on September 11, 2025. In its latest edition, the SGCA features 23 categories spanning government entities, international organisations, private sector players, and individual communicators.

The award also offers innovative competitions in smart communication, jury-selected awards, and partner-sponsored recognitions. These include five new and updated categories created to reflect evolving global communication landscape and trends. The new award categories recognise “Outstanding Development and Cultural Communication,” “Outstanding Communication for a Higher Quality of Life” (specific to Sharjah), “Best Communication for Community Empowerment,” “Best Change-makers in Digital Content,” and “Outstanding Personality in Government and Strategic Communication.”

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, stressed that the SGCA continues to develop in line with the world’s most advanced communication trends. “The award encourages innovation and recognises creativity in sharing international best practices, while reinforcing sustainable communication solutions,” he said.

“Our mission is to build a culture of smart, effective communication that keeps pace with the rise of new digital tools and technologies.”

Allay noted that the award has gained wider international recognition, with participation in last year’s edition sharply increasing by 230%.

Recognising Government Agencies, International Organisations and Private Sector

Nine categories are dedicated to institutional performance, including awards for “Best Integrated Communication System,” which honours institutions that have successfully developed innovative and comprehensive communication strategies. Also featured is the “Best Innovation in Government Communication” category, which recognises creative approaches that help organisations adapt to change, anticipate future scenarios, and suggest practical solutions for pressing challenges.

The list includes “Best Communication Targeting Youth,” aimed at honouring initiatives that have had a measurable impact on younger audiences, as well as “Best Crisis Communication Strategy,” which acknowledges communication strategies that stand out for their fast and transparent approach to crisis management.

Celebrating innovation in messaging and content, the “Best Communication and Media Content,” category pays tribute to creative media content that raises public awareness and engages communities across various digital platforms. The “Best Communication Practice in Supporting Social Responsibility,” category honours initiatives that uphold the values of unity, mutual support, and human dignity.

Other award categories focus on social impact and cultural identity. These include “Best Investment in Soft Power to Support Communication Programs” that recognises impactful initiatives using art, culture, sports, media, and the economy to shape identity and drive social development through effective communication, “Best Innovative Project Targeting Children and Adolescents,” which rewards initiatives that encourage personal growth, reinforce positive values, and contribute to building an empowered generation through creative content.

An additional category, “Best Campaigns Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language” celebrates campaigns that promote Arabic as a vital part of national identity and cultural heritage.

Individual Awards  

The SGCA offers four individual awards, including “Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication,” “Best Official Spokesperson,” and “Best Changemakers in Digital Content” for creators of positive social media content under and over the age of 18.

The awards also feature a category dedicated to “Best Research in Communication Sciences,” acknowledging research that advances government communication practices, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. 

Jury Awards

Three jury awards are presented to entries that successfully showcase impactful communication experiences. The “Outstanding Communication for a Higher Quality of life” category honours standout initiatives from Sharjah-based participants in the “Government Communication Talks” platform. The award showcases efforts that have promoted public engagement and supported sustainability goals.

The “Best Individual Positive Social Impact” category lauds individuals who have inspired positive social change while the “Best Communication for Community Empowerment” category honours inventive efforts reinforcing social connections and cultural values.

Full details on the award categories, eligibility, and submission process are available on the official SGCA website: https://gca.sgmb.ae