The Sharjah Government Media Bureau has announced the opening of registration for the 13th edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award 2026, with applications open from July 1 to August 31, 2026.
Government entities, international organizations, private sector companies, and individuals can submit their entries through the award’s official website.
23 Categories Across Five Sectors
This year’s edition features 23 award categories spanning five main sectors: government entities, international organizations and the private sector, individual awards, smart communication and creative competition, as well as jury and partner awards, offering more than 35 recognition opportunities.
New Categories with a Focus on Artificial Intelligence
The 2026 edition introduces four new award categories, including:
– Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Government and Institutional Communication.
– Innovation in Integrated Communication Systems.
– Best Innovative Communication Initiative for Community Empowerment.
– Best Campaign Promoting Emirati Identity.
The award has also adopted a unified evaluation framework based on three key criteria: results and impact, strategy and planning, and execution. Additional distinction points will be awarded to initiatives that effectively integrate artificial intelligence into their communication strategies.
Submission Categories
Participants can apply directly in categories covering quality of life, youth communication, cultural identity and the Arabic language, media content for children and adolescents, crisis communication, and media content.
Individual submissions are also accepted in categories such as:
– Best Research in Communication Sciences
– Digital Content Change-Makers
– Best Official Spokesperson
– Best Youth Communication Initiative
A Global Platform for Excellence
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said the award continues to evolve its categories and evaluation standards to keep pace with developments in the communications sector while strengthening its position as a global platform for recognizing innovative initiatives and sharing best practices.
Growing International Participation
The previous edition attracted more than 2,600 submissions, with over 600 entries from 37 countries advancing to the next stage. A total of 170 finalists reached the final evaluation round, reflecting the award’s growing regional and international prominence.
