The portal is the first interactive platform connecting federal government communication directors

Dubai, March 9, 2010: The Government Communication Office, under the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, has launched the Government Communication Network (GCN) portal, which is considered the first interactive platform enabling government communications directors in federal entities to communicate and share information and knowledge. The portal offers a complete set of manuals, guides and resources related to government communications. During the course of a GCN meeting, the Government Communication Office also announced a set of initiatives aimed at improving strategic planning and capacity building of federal government communication staff.

Saeed Al-Eter, Director of Media Communication at the Government Communication Office said: "the UAE government leadership always stresses the importance of enhancing and activating government communications at the federal level by incorporating communication plans into all government strategies. The Government Communication Office is currently building communications systems and integrated platforms to enhance communications and to allow federal government communication directors to share information and experiences."

"New initiatives, such as launching the Government Communication Network portal and the capacity building program for communication staff, aim at raising the level of professionalism and enabling the government communication staff to provide the best services to the government's internal and external audiences." He added.

Communication directors were briefed on the GCN portal, which also includes a comprehensive media archive for federal government news, information on joint projects between federal entities, and internal forums that facilitate knowledge transfers and provide a platform for discussions on the latest developments in the government communications sector.

During the meeting, participants discussed the capacity building program, launched by the Government Communication Office that would include a series of courses and workshops covering a number of pertinent subjects, such as strategic planning in government communications, media relations, crisis communication, among other important subjects.

The GCN portal is one of several initiatives included in the UAE Government Communication Strategy, approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in July 2009, with the aim of managing/enhancing the UAE image and building a comprehensive government communication system for the federal government entities. 

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Government Communication Office:
The Government Communication Office (GCO) was established by a UAE Cabinet decree No. (10/29) for the year 2008 in a meeting dated 09/03/2008 with the aim of  substantially improving the internal and external communication channels in the federal government of the UAE.

The responsibilities of the office, which functions within the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, include enhancing internal communication between different federal ministries and entities through the sharing of information and exchange of expertise, as well as strategic planning, building the media and communication capacities of various federal government entities and conducting communication-oriented research. The GCO also enhances external communication with interested stakeholders with the aim of ensuring transparency, accuracy of information and consistency of government messages in alignment with the UAE Government Strategy.

For more information please contact:
Saad A. Al Rubaiaan
Government Communication Office
Tel: 04-3189 403
Email: saad.alrubaiaan@pmo.ae

© Press Release 2010