Shams welcomes batch of Young Arab Media Leaders' 7th edition
This initiative is part of Shams' commitment to empowering the next generation of media professionals, helping them gain the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. In particular, the program focused on digital audio content, like podcasts, which are becoming increasingly popular among young audiences.
Participants had the chance to explore Shams' podcast studio and took part in a hands-on workshop called "Podcast Production." This workshop guided them through the entire process of creating a podcast, from writing scripts and editing audio to recording and promoting their shows online.
The workshop wasn't just about theory; it gave participants practical experience with modern tools used in audio production and content creation. They also learned how to create a unique identity for their podcasts to attract listeners across the Arab world. Additionally, there was a fun competition to produce the best promotional video for Shams.
Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director General of Shams, highlighted the vital role that young people play in revitalizing media. He stated, "At Sharjah Media City (Shams), we believe that young people are essential for any modern media movement. That's why we are committed to supporting and empowering them, providing the tools they need to create meaningful and innovative Arabic content that keeps up with future technologies."
The event wrapped up with a tour of Shams' facilities, where participants learned about the various activities and initiatives offered there. They gained insight into how Shams supports content creators and the creative community, as well as the services it provides for starting businesses.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah builds cultural bridges between Africa and the Arab world
Amid a time when Arabic poetry faces marginalisation in parts of Africa, Sharjah's forward-thinking initiatives have restored Arabic literature to its rightful place—as a vessel of identity, a tool for dialogue, and a platform for human expression. Coordinators praised the vision behind the Arabic Poetry Forums in Africa—an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah—which has marked the beginning of a new cultural era across the continent. These forums have given hundreds of poets opportunities for visibility, documentation, and publication through structured programmes led by Sharjah's Department of Culture in collaboration with local cultural bodies. Coordinators in nine African nations—Mali, Chad, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire—shared updates on preparations for the fourth edition of the poetry forums, set to begin this month. Plans are underway for expanded poet participation and accompanying cultural events. Reviving the Arabic language through poetry Dr Abdelkader Idriss Mega, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Mali, described Sharjah's initiative as a pioneering model that reflects the wide-reaching cultural vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He noted that the initiative is more than just a poetry festival—it is a genuine platform for reviving the Arabic language in historically Arabic-speaking communities. Dr Mega highlighted the forums' role in elevating poetry as a cultural force in Mali, a country where African depth intersects with Arab-Islamic heritage. 'Sharjah's support represents a living example of Afro-Arab cultural integration, and a genuine embodiment of His Highness's vision for building literary bridges across the region,' he said. 'It has granted African poets a worthy platform, embraced their talents, and nurtured creativity in a respectful, professional atmosphere.' He emphasised the clear impact: a vibrant poetry movement, an interactive cultural space blending authenticity and openness, and a rejuvenated local cultural scene that had long suffered from stagnation. Looking ahead to Mali's fourth poetry forum Dr Mega stated that Mali's Arabic Poetry Forum continues to grow in terms of organisation, content, and participation. The number of poets has doubled this year, drawing a rich mix of emerging and established voices from across the country. The fourth edition will welcome between 15 and 20 poets from Bamako and other regions. What sets this edition apart is the broader participation and more diverse poetic styles, alongside growing public interest. The forum has drawn the attention of prominent figures, intellectuals, academics, university students, and media professionals, giving it greater cultural and institutional weight. The accompanying programme includes poetry readings, literary discussions, and workshops on Arabic poetic techniques, in addition to interactive sessions between poets and the public—fostering cultural exchange and deepening aesthetic appreciation for poetry. Cultural renewal through Sharjah's literary vision Dr Ahmed Abou El Fath Othman, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Chad, described Sharjah's support for Arabic poetry in Africa as a shining example of Arab cultural integration. He praised the leadership of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for reinforcing the Arabic language and culture across both Arabic-speaking regions and beyond. He noted that the poetry forums, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, have contributed to shaping a renewed cultural landscape by creating spaces for creative exchange and restoring poetry's role as a tool of expression, awareness, and identity-building. The upcoming fourth edition of the poetry forum in Chad, according to Dr Abou El Fath, marks a significant milestone. While 32 poets participated last year, this year's forum is expected to feature over 40 poets, selected from more than 200 submissions. The selection criteria focus on high-calibre classical Arabic poetry. This year's edition is noteworthy for bringing together poets from various regions of Chad on a single platform to share their work with an engaged and appreciative audience. The forum has also opened doors for emerging voices, with many young and aspiring poets seizing this opportunity to prove their talent. Dr Abou El Fath highlighted that some of these poets, after participating in the Chad forum, went on to take part in international poetry gatherings—raising their country's profile on broader cultural stages. He affirmed that none of this would have been possible without Sharjah's generous and strategic support for Arabic culture in Africa. 'We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sharjah, a beacon of knowledge and creativity, for continually championing Arab literary excellence and broadening its horizons,' he said. A deep encouragement for African Arabic poetry Dr Kaba Imran, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Guinea, expressed how African Arabic poetry is now "breathing freely" again, receiving recognition and honour from an Arab nation—specifically from His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. 'This is a profound source of encouragement for a form of poetry that had long been absent from the African cultural scene,' he said. He noted that the fourth edition of the forum will welcome many new poets. Previously, participation was limited to poets from the capital region, but now, the event draws poets from across all regions of Guinea and even from outside the country. Thanks to the forum, many poets have gained new confidence in their talent and literary voice—especially first-time participants. Dr Imran confirmed that these gatherings have inspired poets with ambitious new horizons and a growing cultural awareness with meaningful impact. Celebrating poetic beauty in Niger Dr Amadou Ali Ibrahim, cultural coordinator in Niger, hailed Sharjah as a cultural capital that continues to celebrate the enduring power of poetry, thanks to the unwavering support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. He said the Arabic poetry forums in Africa have been a resounding literary success from the start, leaving a clear cultural imprint across the continent and growing stronger with each edition. Dr Ibrahim expressed hope that this year's forum in Niger will spotlight new poetic talents and attract a larger audience, particularly among Arabic language students in the country. As in previous years, the event will feature two poetry sessions enriched by critical commentary—offering aesthetic insights into the poems—and a literary lecture exploring the Arabic language and its social dimensions within Niger. He is optimistic that this edition will see a stronger poetic presence, not only in the number of poets attending from across the country but also in the strength and beauty of the Arabic poems being shared. 'The forum has become a stage for Niger's promising poetic voices to shine and grow,' he said. Enrichment and empowerment in Nigeria Dr Omar Adam, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Nigeria, highlighted the profound impact of Sharjah's support—under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah—on enriching the cultural scene across Africa. Through the forums, a deeper appreciation for the Arabic language and its literary traditions has taken root in multiple African nations. He noted that this support has enabled poets to refine their craft, moving beyond traditional forms to embrace modern poetic techniques aligned with global literary currents. The upcoming fourth edition of the poetry forum in Nigeria marks a significant cultural moment, building on the success of previous editions and further promoting Arabic poetry and cross-cultural dialogue. Thanks to financial and institutional backing from Sharjah's Department of Culture, several Nigerian poets have published Arabic poetry collections—many for the first time—showcasing a flourishing literary presence in the country. 'This year, we've witnessed an unprecedented number of applications, surpassing those of all previous editions combined,' said Dr Adam. 'It's a clear sign of how deeply these forums have energised the creative spirit and helped develop local poetic talent.' He added that the forum, supported by Sharjah, has spotlighted poetic voices from all regions of Nigeria. 'What began as a symbolic initiative has now become a dynamic platform for Nigerian poets, including those who are not native Arabic speakers, to share their work and connect with the wider Arab literary world. This effort not only preserves heritage but also drives forward a new wave of poetic creativity rooted in rich literary traditions.' Beyond boundaries: Côte d'Ivoire celebrates Arabic verse Dr Bamba Issiaka, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Côte d'Ivoire, said Sharjah's cultural initiative transcends borders and languages, empowering genuine creativity through sustained support, openness to new voices, and a dynamic blend of literary creation and critique. He affirmed that the forums serve as a model for cultural collaboration, showing that poetry still holds the power to build bridges and reshape collective awareness. 'The Arabic Poetry Forum has become a major annual cultural event in Côte d'Ivoire, eagerly anticipated by the public,' he said, citing strong participation from university students and the emergence of talented young poets. According to Dr Issiaka, Sharjah's support does more than offer financial assistance—it maps out a long-term vision for Arabic poetry in Africa. The fourth edition of the forum, he noted, will mark a qualitative leap in the country's cultural scene, with new voices and cities taking part, reflecting the forum's continued growth and expanding reach. A cultural continuum in South Sudan Dr Mohammed Maj Riak, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in South Sudan, described Sharjah's backing of Arabic poetry in Africa as part of a broader cultural vision that embraces creativity in all its forms. This support, he said, helps reaffirm the value of poetry as a means of expressing identity and collective memory. He noted that the forums have added significant value to South Sudan's cultural landscape. 'For this year's edition, we've widened participation to include poets from different generations and schools of thought, with a discerning and appreciative audience engaging closely with the sessions,' said Dr Riak. The accompanying events will include literary workshops, critical forums, and public discussions to enhance interaction between poets and audiences. He stressed that the initiative has played a pivotal role in bringing attention to lesser-known voices and given them opportunities to connect with leading figures from the Arab literary world—broadening their cultural horizons and artistic growth. Tangible momentum in Senegal Dr Mohamed El Hadi Sall, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Senegal, described Sharjah's patronage of Arabic poetry in Africa as a pioneering initiative rooted in a genuine belief in the power of words and their role in bridging cultures. He noted that the support went beyond financial assistance—it was a powerful moral boost that helped elevate local cultural identity and revive interest in Arabic poetry. 'The forums supported by Sharjah created real cultural momentum,' Dr Sall said. 'They opened new spaces for expression and dialogue, allowing a broader audience to engage with poets and their work.' He added that the fourth edition brings greater energy and diversity, with poets from various schools and experiences, along with a rich cultural programme including poetry readings, critical discussions, and parallel artistic performances. 'This year's audience is more engaged and informed than ever, which reflects a growing connection between the public and poetic expression. The event has also drawn strong attention from the cultural community, media, and social networks—clear proof that the forum has become a major annual cultural highlight.' Sustained support in Benin Dr Ibrahim Ogboun, coordinator of the Arabic Poetry Forum in Benin, said that no discussion of Arabic poetry in Africa today would be complete without acknowledging the vital role of Sharjah. Through its thoughtful cultural initiatives, the emirate has consistently supported the written word and strengthened its presence in the public sphere. He explained that Sharjah's support has evolved into a comprehensive cultural project, offering renewed energy to literary platforms across the continent. 'The poetry forums held under Sharjah's patronage are not seasonal events,' Dr Ogboun stressed. 'They have become a genuine driver of the poetic scene, offering space for experimentation, dialogue, and public engagement.' Speaking about the fourth edition, he added: 'With strong attendance and a wide variety of participants, the forum in Benin is moving confidently toward establishing itself as a leading cultural event in the country. This year's edition will stand out in both format and content, with a larger number of poets and a dynamic series of events including poetry evenings, critical sessions, and open dialogues between creators and a poetry-hungry audience.' Sharjah's initiative, he said, has opened new doors for local poets and introduced fresh voices to the broader Arab poetic tradition. 'The forum has become a true platform for discovering talent and exchanging experiences. Many poets have spoken about how this opportunity transformed their work—whether through new publishing avenues or invitations to take part in Arab literary festivals.'
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
UAE tops region for most skilled workforce, says report
6 June 2025 01:39 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)The UAE workforce is the most skilled in the Middle East and North Africa, according to Coursera's latest report. The country also leads the Arab world across all major categories, including business, technology, data skills, and AI maturity, positioning itself as the region's leading hub for digital readiness and Global Skills Report 2025, published by Coursera on Wednesday, draws from the learning activity of more than 170 million users worldwide and benchmarks performance across over 100 accompanying AI Maturity Index provides a broader view, factoring in academic publications and metrics from the IMF and OECD to measure national progress in AI research, innovation, and UAE ranked 38th globally overall, 17th in business, 46th in data, 53rd in technology, and 32nd in AI maturity, making it the top performer in the Arab world across all four categories, and first in MENA when it comes to overall skills readiness.'The UAE is positioning itself for a tech-driven future, with 87% of employers emphasising technological literacy, AI, and big data as their top priorities,' the report said, linking the country's performance to its national efforts to transition into a knowledge-based economy powered by skilled Emirati country also boasts the highest rate of Coursera learners in the region, with 13% of its labour force actively engaged on the platform. As the total learner base reaches 1.3 million, the UAE's appetite for digital skills shows no signs of slowing to the report, GenAI course enrolments alone surged by 344% year on year — more than double the regional growth rate — while professional certificate and cybersecurity enrolments jumped by 41% and 14%, are playing an increasingly active role in this transition, accounting for 21% of GenAI learners in the UAE, 24% of those enrolled in STEM-related fields, and 23% in professional certificate programmes. Learning habits reflect a younger, mobile-first generation, with 41% of users accessing courses via mobile, and a median learner age of the employer side, demand is rising sharply for expertise in AI and machine learning (up 139%) and customer service (up 96%), while top learner skills in the UAE ranged from corporate accounting and predictive analytics to emerging technologies and leadership development. The UAE's broader economic and policy frameworks are a key driver of this momentum, the report said, pointing out the We the UAE 2031 strategy and workforce development programmes like Nafis, which 'are exceeding private-sector employment targets' and form part of a national vision for a tech-enabled society centred around innovation and competencies. Building on this foundation, the country deployed a wider set of strategies, such as UAE Vision 2030, the Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Emirates Blockchain Strategy, and the UAE Centennial 2071, to support the growth and prosperity of future-focused business sectors.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
Onshur marks major milestone with graduation of Scale Track cohort
5 June 2025 15:31 SHARJAH (WAM) Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its 2025 Scale Track at SBA's programme is designed to support established publishers in the UAE in scaling their operations through sustainable and strategic growth. The ceremony honoured twelve publishers who completed the intensive training event was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as programme partners, experts, trainers, and representatives from local and Arab twelve graduating publishers were selected from a pool of 62 applicants who met rigorous eligibility criteria. These included a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality cultural content and a well-defined strategic vision for expansion aligned with global publishing graduating cohort comprised Ajyal Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, Kalman Publishing and Distribution, Nabatti Publishing, Shaheen Printing Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al-Farqad, Dar Shams Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, and Noor on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, emphasised the importance of empowering UAE publishers to grow and innovate within a sustainable framework. She stated, 'The Scale Track reflects our vision of enabling publishers to move beyond survival, towards a future defined by excellence, creativity, and leadership in enriching the Arab publishing landscape both locally and globally.'She continued, 'I am proud of this cohort, who have shown a remarkable capacity for learning, growth, and openness to new experiences. I believe they are now equipped with the tools and insights needed to build more resilient and adaptable business models. While they represent the current state of Arab publishing, they are equally poised to shape its global future, fuelled by ambition, determination, and a genuine passion for the written word.'Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said, 'What distinguishes these publishers is their clear ambition to grow and their willingness to embrace new tools and ideas that can propel their businesses forward. Their participation in the Scale Track represents a strategic blueprint for the regional publishing sector's expansion, firmly rooted in innovation and sustainability. This vision is inspired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's commitment to cultivating a network of publishers equipped to compete on both regional and global stages, driving a renewed momentum for Arab literature and culture.'For his part, Rashid Al Kous congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to transforming ambition into tangible said, 'We extend our congratulations to this exceptional cohort, who have exemplified what it means to turn vision into reality. The Scale Track has provided participants with critical skills enabling them to thrive in both local and international markets amid a rapidly evolving publishing landscape.'The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at highlighted that Onshur is reshaping how support is delivered to publishers by offering a comprehensive strategic framework that fosters long-term, sustainable growth. 'The Scale Track has surpassed the boundaries of traditional training,' she said. 'It has established a professional platform dedicated to enhancing publishers' operational capabilities and deepening their industry expertise.'Following the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, graduates of the Scale Track benefit from a robust package of post-programme support. This includes one year of professional accounting services to ensure compliance, guidance in applying for the Sharjah International Translation Grant, onboarding to Ingram's global distribution network, access to business loans secured against publishing contracts, specialised advisory sessions, and priority access to upcoming Onshur measures are designed to help publishers shift from operational stability to strategic and sustainable expansion.
