Sharjah Media centre hosts first Majlis

Sharjah Media Centre has held its inaugural Majlis at the Culture Palace Sharjah, reviewing the interactions of His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on Direct Line, a live radio show broadcast simultaneously on Sharjah TV. Titled as ‘A Review of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah’s Interventions on the Direct Line Show’, the Majlis was held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation. Attended by senior clerics and intellectuals, as well as local and international media professionals, the discussions were followed by a questions round for the media. The Majlis highlighted the social impact of the interventions on the people of Sharjah and featured speeches by Ahmed Salem Bosamnoh, Board Member, Sharjah Media Corporation; Jamal Al Bah, Chairman, Arab Family Organization; Mohammed Khalaf, Director, Sharjah Radio, Dr. Jasim Khalfan, a National Activist, and His Excellency Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre. Bosamnoh said: ‘His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s interactions on Direct TV serve as the ideal platform for connecting with the UAE’s communities. They convey His Highness’ genuine concern towards his people. He has also set a great example to senior government officials on how they can optimize the use of media.’ Bosamnoh pointed out that His Highness has used the show to initiate positive changes in the community and build strong relations with the people of Sharjah. In particular, he praised His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for involving the community in the process of rebuilding schools, instead of passing his orders on to the Education Council and allocating budgets. ‘The interventions of His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi have attracted a large audience who is keen to hear his thoughts. In addition to listening to people’s grievances and solving their problems, His Highness has raised the standards of the radio show transforming it into a formidable vehicle for people to voice their concerns. The programmes function as a testimony to his command on the art of dialogue,’ added Bosamnoh. Jamal Al Bah thanked Sharjah Media Centre for organising a session that focussed on the media and the people of Sharjah. He added that the interventions have removed barriers between the government and the residents. Dr. Khalfan praised His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for highlighting personal experiences that helped shape his character. He said: ‘The interventions of His Highness are neither restricted to specific topics nor to Sharjah radio stations. His speech on the development of sport in the UAE during an interaction with Dubai Sports Channel and his intervention with DREAM Channel announcing the generous donation of valuable manuscripts to replace the ones that were burned at the Egyptian Scientific Congregation are just a few examples of the Ruler’s dedication towards preserving historical and cultural treasures.’ Dr. Khalfan added that the interventions remove the barriers between officials and citizens and address issues relating to accountability, liability and upholding the rights of people. Osama Samra touched on the interventions’ key role in building communication channels between mass media and senior officials in Sharjah. He said: ‘Before the Sharjah Media Centre was set up, it was difficult to obtain information. However, His Highness has been instrumental in opening up channels of communication and highlighting the cultural, civilizational and scientific treasures of Sharjah. Orders of the Ruler of Sharjah are immediately communicated to officials for implementation and these interventions have continually offered support to the residents of the Emirates.’ Mohammed Khalaf said the interventions not only offered solutions to myriad problems but also lifted the morale of the people of Sharjah. He stated that ‘His Highness always thanks callers for voicing their concerns and drawing his attention to instances of negligence. He makes it a point never to interrupt callers and gives them the opportunity to speak their mind. His Highness continually demonstrates his interest in current situations, which is indicative of his intelligence and awareness of international events. Furthermore, he has always been keen to reach out to young people and offer them advice on how to improve their lives.’