His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, honoured, on Monday, the winners of the 10th edition of the “Thank You” Award, recognising outstanding employees of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. The ceremony was held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
Award winners across categories
His Highness presented the awards to the winners according to their respective categories. In the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority Category, Salem Othman Al Junaidi won first place for Outstanding Official, while Jitly Varakil Joseph received the Outstanding Employee Award.
In Al Sharqiya from Kalba Category, Saleh Belhaif Al Naqbi won the Outstanding Official Award, while Khaled Saqr Al Jaberi was named Outstanding Employee.
In Al Wusta from Al Dhaid Category, Iman Al Zahmi won the Outstanding Official Award, while Anas Jamal Mahfouz received the Outstanding Employee Award.
In the Radio Sector Category, Saif Khaled Al Awadhi won the Outstanding Official Award, while Vikas Mulchandani was named Outstanding Employee.
Address by the Director of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority
The ceremony began with a speech by Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, in which he emphasised that the gathering celebrates the value of giving, affirms appreciation as a deeply rooted culture, and reflects gratitude as a working approach that the Authority is keen to reinforce year after year.
Al Ghaithi added: “The 10th edition of the ‘Thank You’ Award reaffirms that at Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, we consider people to be our true wealth, and that creativity and excellence in work are the path towards sustainable development. This is inspired by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who laid the foundations of excellence and made quality an intrinsic value across all areas of work.”
Objectives and significance of the award
Speaking about the objectives of the “Thank You” Award, the Director said: “What we celebrate today is not merely announced names, but cumulative efforts, creative ideas, and dedicated efforts that have contributed to enhancing the Authority’s performance and achieving its media mission. The ‘Thank You’ Award is not only a form of recognition, but a message of appreciation to everyone who has made dedication a core value, excellence a goal, and teamwork a consistent approach.”
Updates to the award process
Al Ghaithi also addressed the updates introduced to the award, stating: “Amendments have been made to the voting process, which now takes place in the ceremony hall, with the final evaluation based on 30 percent from a specialised committee and 70 percent from employee voting. This year, we also decided to introduce a new category –Outstanding Official– in appreciation of their pivotal role in shaping excellence and development.”
Closing remarks
He concluded his speech by saying: “I congratulate the winners of this award as well as all those nominated. You are all partners in success and its makers. I also renew my thanks and appreciation to all Authority employees who continue, through their dedication, to reinforce the Authority’s standing as a model of leadership and excellence.”
Documentary film and artistic segment
His Highness, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, watched a documentary film highlighting the journey of the “Thank You” Award over the past 10 years. The film demonstrated that the award is not merely a form of recognition, but an institutional culture that elevates the value of effort and celebrates excellence. It also highlighted the 37-year journey of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, during which it has continued to achieve success and expansion, now encompassing numerous television and radio channels, the Maraya platform, digital media, a news centre, and a distinguished infrastructure.
The ceremony also featured an interactive artistic performance using modern lighting technologies, creatively portraying the long and accomplished journey of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority and its notable achievements across various media fields. The performance showcased key milestones in its development and its pioneering role in delivering meaningful media content and strengthening its presence and influence locally and regionally.
Exhibition of employee talents
On the sidelines of the ceremony, His Highness toured the Hobbyists’ Exhibition dedicated to talented Authority employees, encouraging and motivating them to further develop their artistic and professional skills. His Highness viewed a wide range of works showcasing employees’ diverse talents and hobbies. The exhibition included contributions in drawing, handicrafts, photography, colouring, the use of artificial intelligence in photography, beverages, and perfumes.
Purpose and impact of the “Thank You” Award
The “Thank You” Award is considered one of the key motivational tools for employees of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, serving as an effective means to recognise and reward their efforts. It supports the development and improvement of work procedures and methods within the Authority and enhances constructive cooperation with relevant government entities.
The award also aims to motivate employees to invest their energies and capabilities, encourage the delivery of high-efficiency and high-quality services, highlight and recognise achievements, and honour distinguished employees for their initiative and increased productivity. This contributes to fostering a culture of positive competition within the workplace.
Attendees
The ceremony was attended, alongside His Highness Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, by Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Sharjah Media Council; Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; a number of television and radio channel directors within the Authority; and a large gathering of employees.
