His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, emphasized on Sharjah Media Centre's key role in promoting the presence of media in the emirate, supporting Arab and foreign media, and acting as a bridge for positive communication in order to achieve the emirate's cultural and media vision.

During his visit, he lauded the support extended to SMC by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. He said the Ruler of Sharjah has placed immense confidence in the centre and offers continuous follow-up to its media and social outreach programmes in order to effectively address immediate issues and highlight any deficiencies that need to be eliminated.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi's comments came during his visit to Sharjah Media Centre as part of his inspection tour of government-related institutions in Sharjah. His Highness the Crown Prince was accompanied by His Excellency Sultan Ali Obaid bin Butti Al Muhairi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Executive Council.

The royal entourage was received by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, and Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre. 

The visit of His Highness the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah to Sharjah Media Centre came in response to the directive issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi during a recent meeting of the Sharjah Executive Council. 

Addressing the staff of Sharjah Media Centre, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi highlighted the major responsibility that the media holds in the light of the fast-paced events and information revolution, which requires them to conduct their roles with professional objectivity. He said the media influences audiences and controls their attitudes and ideas. He called for the development of plans and mechanisms that will help media respond to emergency events with professionalism and disseminate clear, unambiguous messages that cannot be distorted to offer negative connotations. 

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi was briefed about SMC's programmes and objectives, including its latest strategies to promote meaningful dialogue with the media and raise awareness of cultural and civilizational aspects in the emirate. In response, he expressed his satisfaction with the achievements of the centre within a short time-frame of its inception. 

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi was also briefed about the final preparations for the first Government Communication Forum that is being organized by Sharjah Media Centre as a key part of the communications agenda adopted by the emirate of Sharjah. His Highness assured the importance of convergence between the various stakeholders to achieve the vision of the emirate as well as its intellectual and cultural perceptions.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi directed the Sharjah Media Centre to expand its functions and strengthen its presence to foster the exchange of experiences and cultures among people. He said: "Media is a double-edged sword and must always be employed in accordance with the ethics endorsed by the industry through reporting facts honestly, transparently and responsibly."

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, thanked His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi for his visit and relentless support to media initiatives in Sharjah through offering a strong motivation to promote action and realise the vision of Sharjah's leadership. 

Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, presented a brief about the Government Communication Forum 2012 that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and implemented with the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. 

Aiming to adopt global best practices in government communication across the emirate of Sharjah, the first 'Government Communications Forum' is set to attract regional and international dignitaries as well as thought leaders in the field of government communication and media.