Sharjah's SGCA 2024 Attracts Record Global Entries From 44 Countries

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has revealed an unprecedented rise in registrations for the 11th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA). This year saw 3,815 entries, marking a 230 percent increase from last year. Out of these, 1,129 submission files were accepted. The shortlist will be announced on 22nd August.

Interest in the award spans 44 countries worldwide. Egypt leads with the highest number of submissions outside the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, and Sudan. The 'Best Communication and Media Content’ category received the most entries at 204.

The 'Best Communication and Humanitarian Practices Supporting Social Responsibility’ category attracted 169 submissions. A new category, 'Best Purposeful Digital Content Creator,’ garnered significant attention with 128 entries. This category has two sub-awards for individuals under and over 18 years old.

The 'Best Communication Project Targeting Children and Adolescents’ category received 115 entries. Meanwhile, the 'Best Communication Strategy Dealing with Crises’ category had 83 submissions.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, commented on the high participation level: "The Sharjah Government Communication Award has garnered significant regional and international interest, reflecting its growing stature and prestige. The award embodies a vision to elevate the communication industry and honour its leaders and prominent figures."

Out of the total 22 categories in SGCA, 13 are open for direct submissions. These categories cater to government entities, international organisations, private sector players, and individuals. This inclusive approach allows communication professionals from various sectors to showcase their expertise.

Diverse Range of Sectors

The direct submission categories cover a wide range of sectors. Three specific awards are for government entities: 'Best Integrated Communication System’, 'Best Campaign Targeting Cultural Identity and Arabic Language’, and 'Best Communication Targeting Youth’. The latter includes two subcategories: 'Best Campaign Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices’ and 'Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth’.

Six categories cater to government bodies, international organisations, and private sector players. Each category has two winners: one from government/international organisations and one from the private sector. These include 'Best Communication Strategy Dealing with Crises’, 'Best Communication with Artificial Intelligence Technology in Service of the Community’, and 'Best Communication and Media Content’.

Opportunities for Individuals

Individuals can submit applications for several categories: 'Best Official Spokesperson’, 'Best Research in Communication Sciences’, 'Best Purposeful Digital Content Creator’, and 'Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication’. Age-specific divisions exist for those under and over 18 years old.

The comprehensive approach ensures that communication professionals from various backgrounds have opportunities to contribute to government communication development. This initiative highlights Sharjah’s pivotal role in advancing the communication industry regionally and globally while supporting sustainable development goals.

With inputs from WAM