Government of Dubai Media Office – The International Media Diplomacy Program (IMDP) organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) concluded today with a graduation event hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C..

The event was attended by His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States and Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

The International Media Diplomacy Program is the latest in a series of leadership development opportunities created by GDMO for members of the Dubai Media Diplomacy and Communication Network.  Developed in partnership with the Protocol School of Washington, and offered exclusively to members of the Network, the Program was held from 10 to 16 November 2017 in Washington, D.C.. The course aimed 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. 

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said: “I would like to congratulate the Government of Dubai Media Office for putting together this leadership programme that addresses the vital areas of media diplomacy and international communication. Programs like these support the UAE’s global vision and aspirations to spread across our messages by helping to create dynamic communicators who are skilled in engaging with audiences across the world. Communication is an essential element in diplomacy where media is a significant platform for global representation.”

IMDP participants discussed a wide-range  of topics and questions  on diplomacy and global communications with Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba during the closing event.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri thanked His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba for hosting the IMDP participants at the UAE Embassy in Washington and expressed her appreciation for the commendable work that the Embassy has done in fostering understanding and cooperation between the USA and UAE.

HE Al Marri further said: “Communication leaders in the UAE have a unique opportunity to tell the stories of UAE’s vision, growth and development to a global audience. These are stories not only of leadership, excellence and innovation but also of diversity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.  We have to tell our stories creatively and innovatively, using new tools and strategies. Effective communication will be particularly important in realising the UAE’s ambition to be years ahead of the world, as part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The International Media Diplomacy Program is one of a host of programmes we have developed to equip the UAE’s communication leaders to think proactively on how to engage, communicate, react, and adapt to the strategic media challenges of today’s world.”

The International Media Diplomacy Program was delivered by world-class faculty who are thought leaders and skilled educators. It focused on giving participants a stronger understanding of public diplomacy, international relations, cross-cultural communication, international protocol, leadership, executive presence and messaging skills.

The first session of the Program closely examined the need for public diplomacy at a time when the changes resulting from the spread of democracy and education, technological revolutions, growth of NGOs and emergence of civil society have raised the importance of understanding public opinion. The session also covered soft power and citizen diplomacy. The initial session also looked at the vital role of communication specialists and how they are responsible for communicating human stories that reflect their organisations and the UAE locally and internationally.

The second session covered the subjects of leadership, protocol, executive presence and official entertaining and dining. Participants learned the key components of emotional intelligence and the importance of protocol tools to enhance relationships by understanding the proper precedence when hosting events or welcoming delegations. The third session featured best practices in media relations and skills for communicating effectively with local and international media.

As part of the International Media Diplomacy Program, participants visited leading government, media and non-profit organisations in the US to learn more about their perspectives on communication strategies. Organisations the participants visited included the US State Department, NASA headquarters, the Public Diplomacy Council, Meridian International Center, PYXERA Global and Voice of America. Officials of these organisations shared their views on a wide range of topics including public diplomacy, crisis communications, choosing the right communication channels and new digital communication technologies.

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© Press Release 2017