The meeting focused on reviewing the award’s categories, judging criteria, and evaluation framework to ensure they remain aligned with the rapid changes shaping the communication and media landscape regionally and internationally.

His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), and Her Excellency Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, welcomed the members of the jury committee and praised their contributions during previous editions. Allay commended the committee’s role in strengthening the award’s position as one of the leading specialised awards in the field of government communication.

He noted that the upcoming edition will introduce significant enhancements to the evaluation methodology, with greater emphasis placed on the impact and long-term outcomes of participating initiatives and projects, alongside the quality of planning and execution. This approach is intended to ensure that the award continues to recognise the most influential communication initiatives and those that bring benefits to society.

Members of the jury committee, which includes a distinguished group of communication and media experts, were also briefed on a newly developed voting system introduced by the SGMB. The system has been designed to keep pace with technological advancements while reinforcing the accurate and consistent application of judging criteria.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Jalal Al Raisi, Head of the Jury Committee, His Excellency Sami Al Reyami, journalist and columnist; His Excellency Shihab Alhammadi, Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the University of Sharjah, His Excellency Ali Jaber, Director of MBC Group and Dean of the Mohammad Bin Rashid School of Communications at the American University in Dubai, and Muhammad Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Sports Channel.

During the meeting, members reviewed the award’s categories and assessment criteria and discussed opportunities to further strengthen the judging process through digital technologies and artificial intelligence, in line with the UAE’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across sectors.

Allay said the award continues to contribute to the advancement of communication practices by recognising initiatives that help build trust, support development goals, and strengthen engagement with communities. He added that the pace of change across the sector, particularly in artificial intelligence, requires continuous development of the award’s framework to reflect emerging trends and future industry needs.

Al Raisi said the award has earned a prominent place among communication awards, encouraging innovation and raising professional standards across the communication sector.

He emphasised that the jury remains committed to keeping pace with the latest developments in communication sciences and emerging technologies as the award continues to evolve and attract outstanding and impactful initiatives and projects.

SGCA continues to recognise individuals, institutions, and initiatives that contribute to the development of communication practices and make a positive impact on communities.