Submissions Now Open for the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award as Focus on AI Grows

The 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award: Bridging Communication and AI

The Sharjah Government has announced the commencement of submissions for the 13th edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award, underscoring a dedicated focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in communication. This year's award program has expanded its scope significantly, inviting a diverse range of participants from around the globe to showcase their innovative work in the field.

Opening Submission Details

Applications are now open until September 22, 2026. Individuals and organizations from public institutions, international bodies, and the private sector can apply across 35 diverse categories. This includes individual achievements, smart communication competitions, as well as awards for jury and partnerships.

The expansion of the award follows a significant increase in international participation, with over 2,600 submissions from 37 countries received in 2025 alone. Among these, more than 600 applications passed the preliminary stage, while 170 were forwarded for final evaluation. Past submissions have featured an array of projects, from Tuvalu’s climate change initiatives to Nigeria's youth entrepreneurship programs and AI platforms connecting experts from Africa and the USA.

Enhanced Focus on AI

The upcoming edition of the award places a greater emphasis on the use of AI and measurable outcomes in communication. Notably, a new category titled ‘Best Use of AI in Public and Corporate Communication’ has been incorporated into the award program for the first time. This addition highlights the increasing importance of AI tools in modern communication strategies.

Additionally, entries in other categories may earn up to a 10% bonus score for the effective use of AI in their submissions. The judging panel will assess how AI is utilized during planning, execution, and evaluation phases; whether communication quality is maintained; and if audience understanding is enhanced through these innovative approaches.

New Categories and Initiatives

Among the exciting changes, the judges will also evaluate campaigns related to promoting Emirati identity, with a new subcategory dedicated to this mission. As the submission process begins, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau invites entries from initiatives that not only demonstrate effective communication but also showcase the measurable impacts of their efforts, such as who benefited and the sustainability of the outcomes reported.

Participants are encouraged to highlight the transformative changes resulting from their communication strategies, further solidifying how communication can be a catalyst for positive impact in society.

In summary, the 13th Sharjah Government Communication Award promises to be a landmark event in recognizing global communication efforts, particularly those harnessing the power of AI. As organizations and individuals prepare to submit their applications, there's a palpable excitement in the air, with expectations of innovative solutions and groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of traditional communication.

To participate in this prestigious award program, interested parties should ensure their submissions are completed by the deadline and align with the criteria set forth by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. This award is not just about recognition, but about engaging with the future of communication through technology.

For additional details or inquiries, please contact Hussain AlMulla from the Sharjah Press Club - Media Relations Section at email.