SHARJAH-Sharjah Government Media Bureau, May 1, 2017 – A high-level delegation of the UK government visited Sharjah Sunday as part of the efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in various areas. Led by HE Alex Eiken, Executive Director of Government Communications in the United Kingdom Government, the delegation visited the American University of Sharjah in the University City.  

The UK delegation was received by HE Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations, HE Majid Abdalla Majid Al Qasimi, Director of Department of Government Relations, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Dr Björn Kjerfve, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS) and other senior Sharjah officials and academics. 

Welcoming the guests, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi emphasised the Emirate’s keenness to enhance and strengthen its international relations and partnerships as well as the exchange of knowledge and expertise across various sectors, in accordance with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.  

On this occasion, a detailed presentation about the objectives, functions and goals of the Department of Government Relations was made by Sheikh Fahim Al Sultan Al Qasimi. This was followed by a meeting with Dr Bjorn Kjerfye, Chancellor of AUS on the ways and means of strengthening cooperation and exchange between the AUS and UK universities. 

The University also hosted a special lecture by Alex Eiken followed by a special dialogue session with students and faculty.  The top civil servant and media expert in the UK government spoke on the concept of government communication and the importance of raising awareness about the potential and challenges of social media and traditional media. 

He lauded various initiatives by Sharjah at the educational and government communication levels, stressing the importance of efforts by the Emirate to spread awareness about harnessing the power of government communication and media and bolstering international cooperation in this sector.
 
The UK delegation on this occasion visited various colleges and institutions of the AUS and hailed their world-class facilities. The guests also visited the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club where a luncheon was arranged for them.  
    
The delegation wrapped up the tour with a visit to the iconic Al Majaz Amphitheatre, which is managed by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. 
 
Welcoming the guests, HE Tariq Saeed Allay outlined the objectives and goals of the SGMB and its role in strengthening Sharjah’s media presence at the local and international levels.  He discussed the various initiatives launched by the Bureau including the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) and Government Communication Award (GCA), which encourage effective international partnerships and aim to improve the practices of government communication at the international level. He also talked about the future aspirations and plans of the Bureau presenting some of its publications in the field of government communication and media. Allay also spoke about the Xposure International Photography Festival and other events hosted by the Bureau that attract international attention.  
 
The UK delegation later undertook a tour of Al Majaz Amphitheatre, which was built in 2012 and is one of its kind Roman colosseum style open-air theatre with picturesque views of Khalid Lagoon and Buheirah Corniche.  The visiting guests on this occasion lauded the architectural beauty and grandeur of the Amphitheatre, the world-class facility that has hosted several musical legends and popular Arab and international stars.