Saturday, March 10, 2012

Sharjah Media Centre Highlights Emirate’s Economic and Cultural Development


Marks Maiden Participation at ITB Berlin

Berlin-Germany: 9 March, 2012 - Sharjah Media Centre is the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah. The centre acts as a bridge that connects Sharjah to the rest of the world via numerous local, regional and international initiatives, according to His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi’s comments came during his speech at a press conference organized on 8 March by Sharjah Media Centre in Berlin on the side lines of Berlin’s annual travel trade show; ITB Berlin. Sharjah Media Centre marked its maiden participation in the trade show under the umbrella of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
The press conference hosted more than 75 media persons from leading German media agencies including a number of TV stations and the German News Agency. Three visual presentations were made during the conference highlighting Sharjah’s tourism attractions, its investment projects in addition to Sharjah Media Centre’s role as the government’s communication arm.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi pointed out Sharjah’s unique proposition as a tourist destination with a rich and culture and history and inspiring architectural development. The German media later expressed that they were impressed with Sharjah Media Centre’s presentation and the emirate’s development in numerous fields particularly tourism and media.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi, said: “The centre’s vision is to facilitate meaningful dialogue, which is achieved by leveraging our intimate understanding of the emirate’s media and government relations to share accurate information on a timely basis. Through this approach, we will enable a balanced portrayal of Sharjah to the world.

Highlighting the offerings of the centre for the media community including the lounge area, which is equipped with state-of-the-art tools necessary for facilitating practice, and academic activities such as training courses for students His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi invited the media to register for the centre’s membership.

Elaborating Sharjah Media Centre’s achievements, His Excellency said:Although very recently established, Sharjah Media Centre has proved its relevance through a number of achievements, most importantly; the inaugural edition of the Government Communication Forum, which is set to become an annual event that examines global best practices in government communication.

The first edition of the forum was held in February, attracting many media professionals including eminent media-persons, and generated a body of work on the media, public relations and government communications landscape that will soon be made available to the community through the forum’s website.”

His Excellency also added: “Sharjah Media Centre revolves around a single pivot, namely Sharjah. Our beloved emirate stands out with its authentic spirit. Its intact heritage has been inherited over thousands of years and stands witness to our history with its unique architecture dotting Sharjah’s coast. Sharjah’s culture is also showcased through its 22 museums that hold valuables that cannot be found anywhere else.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi later talked about the various events and activities held through the year in Sharjah that act as a major attraction for tourists worldwide, such as Formula One Power Boat World Championship, Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Heritage Days, Sharjah Theatre Days, and Sharjah Biennial, in addition ,3000 events.

His Excellency then explained that Al Majaz Waterfront and the Chedi Resort in Khorfakkan, were developed by the efforts of Shurooq, Sharjah’s developmental arm. His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi said: “The present foretells a prosperous future, God-willing, with numerous promising projects that have been established or are being developed.”

In conclusion, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qassimi expressed his pleasure to have met Germany’s media professionals.

The ITB is one of the most important international travel trade shows that hosts over 11,000 participants including the biggest travel agencies in the world and attracts more than 180,000 visitors.

Sharjah Media Centre has marked its participation in international exhibitions and trade shows, including the world-renowned World Travel Market in London and the Arabian Travel Market held last year in Dubai.

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