Latest news with #SharjahMediaCouncil
Gulf Today
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed crowns champions of tournament
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, crowned the Iran national team as champions of the six-a-side football tournament and Suhaila Suburb Council as winners of the beach volleyball competition at the Sharjah Ramadan Sports Tournament. The event took place at Al Heera Beach in Sharjah on Sunday evening. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed attended the thrilling football final between the Indonesian and Iranian national teams, where Iran secured victory with a close 3-2 win. The intense and highly competitive match attracted a large audience of enthusiastic supporters from both teams. Meanwhile, the UAE national team claimed third place after defeating Oman 4-1 in a penalty shootout during the third-place playoff. In the beach volleyball final, Suhaila Suburb Council emerged victorious, defeating Muwailih Suburb Council in straight sets. The tournament featured six participating councils from across Sharjah, including Al Raqa, Wasit, Muwailih, Suhaila, Al Rahmaniyah, and Mughaidir. Sheikh Sultan also observed various fan engagement activities held alongside the tournament, including tug-of-war and sack racing. These interactive events welcomed participation from both adults and children, enhancing the tournament's festive atmosphere. He honoured the sponsors and supporters of the inaugural Sharjah Ramadan Sports Tournament, presenting them with commemorative shields and capturing memorable photographs. The first edition of the six-a-side football tournament took place from 4th to 9th March and featured eight Asian national teams: UAE, Iraq, Oman, India, Japan, Iran, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The teams were divided into two groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to the semi-finals and final, totalling 20 matches. Each game consisted of two halves of 25 minutes each. The tournament accommodated up to 1,700 audiences with dedicated seating areas. A fully integrated entertainment village was also set up, offering various activities, games, sports facilities, food trucks, and designated spaces for sponsors to enhance the overall fan experience. The awards ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials. Sharjah Media organises 'Shams Ramadan e-sports tournament' The Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced the organisation of the 'Shams Ramadan Tournament' for electronic sports. The tournament began on March 8 and will continue till March 14, with a total prize pool of up to Dhs100,000. This tournament is part of the city's efforts to promote a culture of electronic sports and support young talents in this growing field, enhancing its status as one of the prominent entertainment and competitive events during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Alya Ali Al Suwaidi, Director of Content and Innovation at Sharjah Media City, emphasised that this tournament aligns with their ongoing support for youth and their empowerment in innovation and technology, noting that electronic sports is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. The tournament aims to foster a spirit of healthy competition and encourage youth to invest their time in beneficial and enjoyable activities, with over 300 players expected to participate over the six-day event. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Sports Council has launched the exciting 'Sports Before Iftar' initiative, running until March 27, to promote fitness within the community during Ramadan. This programme encourages participants to engage in physical activities like walking and light body workouts from 5 to 6 pm, offering a chance to stay active before Iftar while earning rewards. The men-only event will be hosted at 50 selected locations across Sharjah in collaboration with 10 sports clubs and specialised training centres. With a goal of attracting at least 15,000 participants, the initiative emphasises the importance of physical health and community engagement during the holy month. Participants who meet the established criteria will be eligible for cash prizes, adding an extra incentive for those committed to enhancing their fitness. Winners will be chosen based on assessments that evaluate physical progress, fitness efficiency, and qualities like sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork.
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed graces Conservation Summit
The 2025 Conservation Summit held on Monday at the 9th edition of Xposure International Photography Festival, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), brought together powerful voices – photographers, conservationists and government officials – to address critical environmental challenges of our time. This year's summit focused on migration and the pressing challenges threatening our future. It was a clarion call that also showcased the role of photography and storytelling in bolstering conservation the UAE's conservation efforts, Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, spoke about the country's leadership in sustainability. 'Migration does not recognise borders: creatures travel thousands of miles to live and regenerate. If species stop migrating, it is a dangerous indicator for all of us. Through the lenses of the photographers participating in Xposure, we can clearly see how current migration patterns reflect the health of our environment and nature, and how these changes affect the ecosystems around us', she said. 'In the UAE, we are fully aware of our responsibility to protect our planet and preserve its biodiversity. We host the Regional Office of the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, which has spearheaded numerous successful initiatives to protect species such as birds of prey and dugongs. We also provide a safe haven for many migratory species,' she added. She also highlighted the UAE's 49 natural protected areas that represent more than 15% of the country's total land area, and policies aimed at safeguarding biodiversity, including efforts to mitigate climate change's pervasive impact. Additionally, the UAE has maintained its leadership in marine protected areas, expanding to 16 zones that account for over 12% of its coastal region; well above the global average of 7.5%. 'Nature is sending us warning signs, and we need creative policies and collective efforts to protect migration and the natural environment,' Dr Al Dahak Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), set an urgent tone, presenting migration as an ancient rhythm of life now at risk due to human interference and climate change. 'Migration has been the heartbeat of our planet, and when we protect it, we protect the future of all life, including our own.' She went on to emphasise the importance of the diverse efforts being undertaken by Sharjah, noting: 'What brings us together today at this summit today is our commitment to taking concrete steps towards new solutions. Change is possible, and humanity is capable of restoring nature's balance. Here in Sharjah, we have many nature reserves that serve as safe destinations for these birds, including Wasit Reserve, which shelters more than two hundred species of migratory birds, thereby reviving their natural habitat.'She underscored Xposure's efforts to amplify conservation by blending visual media with actionable initiatives. 'Cameras not only document the magic of nature but convey the message of preservation – for both birds and humankind. Our responsibility is to create a future where birds fly without fear,' she opening keynote talk, delivered by distinguished American wildlife photographer, cinematographer, and conservationist Gerrit Vyn, delved into the world of shorebirds: tiny yet extraordinary travellers whose migrations constitute some of nature's most astonishing feats. 'This bird weighs about as much as a slice of bread, yet it might travel 10,000 kilometres from Venezuela to the Arctic tundra, finding the exact same nest depression each year,' Vyn explained, intertwining scientific insight with an intimate portrayal of their lives. The producer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology spotlighted the incredible resilience of species like the bar-tailed godwit, which migrates 11,000 kilometres non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand. Yet, their survival is tethered to fragile habitats, like China's Yellow Sea, rapidly vanishing due to reclamation.
Sharjah 24
24-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Amna Al Dahak: CS discusses climate change solutions
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, inaugurated the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit, held as part of Xposure International Photography Festival in the vibrant Aljada area of Sharjah, with the presence of Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi. The Minister emphasised that the fourth Conservation Summit focuses on the migration of living organisms due to environmental pollution, climate change, and the irresponsible exploitation of resources. Dr. Al Dahhak highlighted the significance of global festivals in raising awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and the optimal use of resources, particularly the Xposure International Photography Festival She also pointed out the UAE's commitment to prioritising environmental issues and biodiversity, including designating 15% of the country's land as protected areas, while intensifying global efforts to tackle various environmental challenges. It is noteworthy that the Conservation Summit is being held for the fourth time as part of Xposure, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, featuring participation from photographers, global experts, and environmental activists to adopt best practices and find effective solutions for environmental preservation.
Jordan Times
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025 kicks off in Sharjah: Global celebration of photography, storytelling
SHARJAH, UAE — The 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival opened with grandeur as Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurated the event at Aljada, Sharjah. The festival, reaffirming the irreplaceable power of human vision and artistry, extends through February 26, thereby marking the outset of a seven-day global convergence of photography, filmmaking and visual storytelling. Spanning 49,000 square metres, Xposure 2025 brings together 420 renowned photographers, filmmakers and industry experts from 48 countries. Through a dynamic programme composed of solo and group exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops, the festival cements Sharjah's reputation as a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. In his opening address, Director General of SGMB Tariq Saeed Allay emphasised photography's powerful ability to capture reality and evoke deep human emotion. 'When the first photograph was taken in 1826, the process was far from the simple click of a button we know today. It was a painstaking endeavour requiring hours of preparation and patience," Allay said. "At the time, capturing just 50 images was considered a scientific and artistic achievement, akin to uncovering the secrets of an unseen world. In 2024 alone, nearly two trillion images were taken globally, an undeniable testament to humanity's innate desire to document, express, and preserve memories,' he noted. Contrasting AI-generated renditions of iconic images like the Afghan Monalisa with authentic photography, he posed a pivotal question: 'What gives an image its true power?' The answer, he argued, lies not in algorithms but in the raw, unfiltered vision of photographers who brave the world's harshest landscapes, take risks, and wait for the defining moment — immersing themselves in the lives of others to capture images that resonate, move, and inspire. Allay added that while AI has carved a role for itself in research, analysis, and innovation, no machine can replicate the instinct of the human eye, the depth of human emotion, or the irreplaceable power of lived experience. Reaffirming Xposure's founding purpose, he reiterated the festival's commitment and dedication to honouring and celebrating photographers whose work goes beyond mere technical expertise, through redefining storytelling through patience, dedication, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth. 'And what better place to celebrate such vision than Sharjah?' he said, reinforcing the unshaken Emirati standing as a distinguished global beacon and hub of cultural excellence, literature, and the arts. The festival's global stature was reinforced by a keynote speech by Glen Gainor, who is Head of Production at Amazon Original Films. During the inaugural ceremony, Gainor lauded Sharjah's commitment to education and cultural excellence under the leadership of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He highlighted that beyond words, pointing that photography serves as a universal language, one capable of transcending borders and shaping global narratives. 'Xposure is not just a festival; it is a platform where cultures converge, where ideas take form, and where the world's most pressing issues, from climate change to social justice, find visual representation,' Gainor said. He also noted the transformation of storytelling in the digital arena, where platforms like YouTube and AI-generated images have revolutionised how people consume and generate visual content, warning that 'technology may enhance storytelling, but it can never replace the authenticity, patience, and depth that human photographers bring to their craft.' Moving forward, among Xposure's most compelling discussions delved into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and photography. As AI-generated images increasingly blur the boundaries between truth and illusion, Xposure 2025 posed a pivotal question: What ultimately determines an image's authenticity? The festival's opening film explored this theme in depth, drawing a striking visual comparison between pixels in an image and cells in a living organism, each an essential component of a larger whole. Enhanced by a live performance blending poetry and music, the screening reinforced photography's profound ability to shape human awareness and foster global connections. More than just an exhibition, this year's Xposure serves as a call to action. From documenting humanitarian crises to exposing environmental devastation, the festival highlights the critical responsibility of photographers to capture truth in its most unfiltered form. An Immersive Platform for Photography Enthusiasts Xposure 2025 presents a dynamic and engaging experience for both professionals and aspiring photographers. Attendees can take part in specialized workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, portfolio reviews, and guided tours. Also, the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit will spotlight photography's crucial role in capturing environmental challenges and amplifying global awareness. The opening ceremony welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests, including Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, and First Lady of Zanzibar Mariam Mwinyi.
Identity
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
Sultan bin Ahmed Inaugurates 9th annual International Photography Festival ‘Xposure'
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, inaugurated the 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival at Aljada, Sharjah. Running until February 26, the festival brings together 420 photographers, filmmakers, and experts in visual storytelling from 48 countries, presenting their creative works through a diverse range of events, as well as solo and group exhibitions. HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi explored the expansive 49,000-square-meter venue, engaging with exhibitors and gaining firsthand insights into diverse visual storytelling genres, from documentary to humanitarian photography. He also reviewed the festival's comprehensive event program and workshops designed to nurture and advance photographers' skills. The innate instinct to express and preserve memories In his opening address, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, underscored the profound role of photography in documenting reality and conveying human emotion: 'When the first photograph was taken in 1826, the process was far from the simple click of a button we know today. It was a painstaking endeavor requiring hours of preparation and patience. At the time, capturing just 50 images was considered a scientific and artistic achievement, akin to uncovering the secrets of an unseen world. In 2024 alone, nearly two trillion images were taken globally—an undeniable testament to humanity's innate desire to document, express, and preserve memories.' Comparing AI-generated images of popular works like the Afghan Mona Lisa to actual photographs, he asked: 'What gives an image its true power? It is the lenses of those who venture into the world's most challenging landscapes, who take risks, wait for the decisive moment, and immerse themselves in the lives of others to bring us images that move and inspire. AI has its place in shaping the future. It is an invaluable tool for research, analysis, and innovation. However, no technology can replace the human eye, the soul, and the depth of human emotion.' 'Since Xposure's inaugural edition, our mission has been to honor artists whose vision extends beyond technology, those who redefine the human experience not just through their cameras but through their patience, dedication, and insight. And what better place to host this celebration than Sharjah, a longstanding beacon of culture, literature, and the arts?' Allay concluded. A global platform that takes Sharjah's vision to the world During the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of Xposure, Glen Gainor, Head of Production at Amazon Original Films, emphasized that photographs and films are not merely documentary tools but windows to the world, carrying a profound impact on how we understand our surroundings. Gainor praised Sharjah's vision, rooted in knowledge and education under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, noting that the emirate has successfully established itself as a global center for wisdom and culture. He highlighted that beyond words lies a universal language without borders—the language of imagery—which possesses a unique power to move and inspire through visual storytelling. Gainor pointed out that Xposure has become a platform that carries Sharjah's vision to the world, where ideas and cultures converge, and shared values are brought to life. He underscored the festival's role in addressing environmental issues such as climate change and the natural world, which collectively shape our shared future as human beings. Gainor further noted that the artistic values embedded within Xposure reflect excellence and creativity, aligning with his extensive experience in the film industry. Having witnessed the evolution of the industry—from relying on traditional materials to the advent of modern technologies that have redefined the role of both still and moving images—he remarked on the transformative power of innovation in visual storytelling. He also underscored how the digital revolution and new platforms such as YouTube have reshaped the world of imagery, opening doors for fresh voices from across the globe. 'Today, we live in an era where cultures intertwine, and people engage in a global dialogue through images. This not only highlights the brilliance of human intelligence but also expands the horizons of visual storytelling to new and uncharted territories.' Gainor reaffirmed that the pursuit of truth through the lens has become a universal source of inspiration. He stressed that images are not just tools for preserving creativity but also powerful conduits for amplifying voices from diverse cultures around the world. 'Every story has the potential to build bridges and foster meaningful human dialogue,' he said. Holding the line: Photographers' duty to champion the truth Environmental photographer and activist Sebastian Copeland spoke at Xposure 2025 about the impact of climate change on polar ice, sharing his experience of leading 27 polar expeditions and covering over 10,000 kilometers on skis to document environmental changes in some of the most isolated places on Earth. 'In the Arctic, one of the most remote and challenging places to visit on this planet, I had the opportunity to explore areas untouched by human footsteps and photograph locations that exist on the map as nothing more than 'the pole.' Yet, even there, my lens captured pieces of plastic carried by ocean currents—a stark reminder that no place on Earth is untouched by pollution.' Copeland emphasized that climate change knows no borders and does not recognize passports—it is a global crisis affecting all parts of the world. Rising temperatures have disrupted ecosystems, altered migratory bird patterns, and reduced the survival rates of their offspring. The decline in species forming the foundation of the food chain is leading to severe ecological imbalances. He pointed out that these environmental shifts are already triggering mass migrations due to harsh conditions such as drought and food insecurity. Copeland also commended the UAE's environmental initiatives, particularly its ambitious climate action plans extending to 2050, which serve as a global model for sustainable development. 'Photography is not just a powerful tool for raising awareness; it plays a pivotal role in shaping global decisions,' he noted. Copeland also underscored the importance of maintaining credibility in the age of artificial intelligence, warning that ensuring the truthful representation of reality is more critical than ever. A festival that blends art, culture, and impact The festival opened with an inaugural film exploring the power of imagery in documenting reality and shaping human awareness. Using a visual analogy, it compared pixels in an image to cells in living organisms, highlighting how small details come together to create a complete picture—whether in art or nature. The screening featured a live performance blending poetry and music, enhancing the cinematic experience with an interactive artistic touch. This fusion of visuals and live expression celebrated the role of imagery in inspiring change and reflecting Sharjah's commitment to knowledge, culture, and the arts. Xposure offers a fully immersive experience over seven days, featuring specialized workshops, discussion panels, film screenings, portfolio review sessions, and guided tours. The event also includes the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit, highlighting photography's role in raising environmental awareness. The opening ceremony welcomed distinguished guests, including high-ranking officials, photographers, and media representatives.
