Dubai: The second edition of the DXB500 Communication Training Programme, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of officials in media and communication roles across various entities in Dubai, concluded on May 8. The program saw a new group of communication leaders completing an intensive two-day training regimen.
According to Emirates News Agency, the innovative programme was launched by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, and is implemented by the Government of Dubai Media Office in collaboration with global partners. It focused on equipping media and communication professionals with the skills necessary to excel in their roles, offering practical workshops, interactive sessions, and expert talks. Participants gained valuable insights into navigating diverse platforms and practical scenarios relevant to their organizations.
The programme provided training on identifying effective tools and strategies to optimize messaging while adapting to global media and communication trends and technologies. Key sessions included 'Resilience Command Hub' by Manus Cranny, 'Spin Doctors: Media Meets Government' by Hannah Guenther, and 'The Art of Effective Crisis Communication' by Mona Al Marri, among others.
The DXB500 initiative reflects Dubai's leadership's commitment to future-readiness and developing national talent to support long-term development plans. Experts from prestigious media organizations guided participants in redefining communication strategies for various entities in the emirate.
The program covered strategic planning, crisis communication, and multi-platform content creation, balancing theoretical and practical learning. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, emphasized the leadership's vision to develop specialized media and communications professionals. The program aims to equip individuals to navigate the evolving media landscape effectively.
She stated, 'Through this program, we aim to shape communications professionals capable of addressing challenges and projecting a positive image of Dubai as a city of innovation, achievement, and cultural diversity.' The program also supports officials in leveraging contemporary tools and crafting impactful media messages.
The DXB500 programme aims to enhance the capabilities of communication officers in content creation, digital communication, and crisis management. It also seeks to raise institutional readiness to deliver transparent and engaging messages to local and global audiences, strengthening international media partnerships.
Rashid Humaid Almarri, Director of Strategic Relations at the Government of Dubai Media Office, highlighted the programme's role in aligning media messages and boosting communication teams' ability to present comprehensive policies and initiatives. He described DXB500 as a strategic platform for building a network of communication leaders.
Huda Dakhouni, Project Manager for DXB500, noted the hands-on training experience provided to participants, empowering them with modern strategies to enhance messaging effectiveness. She observed strong engagement levels and a commitment from government entities to develop their media cadres.
The two-day programme featured workshops on storytelling, digital engagement strategies, and practical skill development, including smartphone videography and rapid editing. The event concluded with project presentations by participants in a simulated environment.
Each edition of the DXB500 programme trains 50 participants from communication departments across Dubai, with two sessions held annually to ensure sustained professional development and broaden the initiative's reach.