The Government of Dubai Media Office, GDMO, today launched the International Media Diplomacy Programme in partnership with the Protocol School of Washington.

Offered exclusively to members of the Dubai Media Diplomacy and Communication Network, the programme, aims to help communication leaders in the UAE’s public and private sectors lead in today’s globalised environment, and respond innovatively to the challenges of communicating in a changing media landscape. The programme will be held from 10th to 16th November 2017, in Washington DC.

Mona Al Marri, Director-General of GDMO, welcomed participants in the programme and said that the course is part of GDMO’s efforts to provide training for network members that facilitates a deeper understanding of global communication best practices. The programme is one of its initiatives aimed at supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure Dubai is ten years ahead of other cities of the world.

The move also reflects the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, to focus on training and provide the members of the network with the best learning opportunities to support them in delivering Dubai’s message in the best possible way.

Mona Al Marri thanked the Yousef Mana'a Saeed Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States of America, for the support extended to GDMO for the organisation of the event; she also commended the support of the UAE Embassy in the USA.

"Effective communication will be particularly important in realising the UAE’s aspiration to be a global leader across sectors, as part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. This programme will help communication leaders draw from international best practices to look at communication strategy from a completely new perspective," she continued.

"The UAE’s achievements and its emergence as a global model for tolerance, gender equality, cultural diversity, innovation, and a future global city represent a compelling story. This programme aims to help communication leaders powerfully tell this story to the world. It will help participants bring a new level of creativity and innovation to their communication practice.  At the same time, the Programme has been designed to address the opportunities and challenges the participants encounter in their leadership roles," she went on to say.

Through this educational experience, participants will have a stronger understanding of media diplomacy, international relations, cross-cultural communication, international protocol, leadership, executive presence and powerful messaging skills. Led by world-class faculty who are thought leaders and skilled educators, participants will be provided with tools and practical experience in the field of media diplomacy and international relations to successfully and efficiently represent the UAE as leading communication professionals both in the country and abroad.