Emirati Innovators Showcase Inventions at International Government Communication Forum 2016

Sharjah-UAE: 20 March, 2016 – The fifth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016), which opened today in Sharjah, hosted four Emirati innovators as part of the first-of-its-kind Community Innovation Platform.

The hosted innovators included Khaled Al Amri, columnist at Al Khaleej Newspaper and motivational speaker, Badria Al Mazmi, architecture graduate and owner of the project ‘Heart of the Suburb’, Dr Aisha Busmait, university professor, Director of Communication and Marketing at Dubai Sports Council and author of the first Emirati book on government communication, and Sultan Al Housani, student at Zayed University and idea creator of the Zawaj Yaseer Application.

During the first day of the Community Innovation Platform events, a session entitled ‘Be Innovative’ saw Khaled Al Amri highlighting the impact of innovation on daily life and showcasing leading innovators from across the world, including the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who set the foundation for the innovations and accomplishments being witnessed in the country today. 

Al Amri pointed out that pioneering global innovators continue to work diligently to transform their inventions into reality. He cited the example of Steve Jobs, who received fierce criticism at the beginning of his career, but went on to make Apple one of the most successful companies in the United States and the rest of the world.

In the session titled ‘Explaining the Heart of the Suburb Project’, Badria Al Mazmi explained how her project is designed to serve as a residential destination that is completely inspired by the UAE’s environment. Al Mazmi also mentioned that the idea of the project came about in an attempt to meet the demands of Sharjah residents, especially those living in the heart of the city. She said the project holistically aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among families.

During her participation in another session at the Community Innovation Platform, Dr Aisha Busmait spoke about her recent book on government communication. The book was a result of Dr Busmait’s long experience working for several local government communication entities. She said that the UAE’s roadmap for government communication as envisioned by the country’s leadership does not only aim to achieve people’s demands and rights, but also to ensure that they remain happy.

Busmait explained that building and developing human capabilities is key to the success of any institution. She added that good government communication requires instant decisions, direct communication with leadership and a clear approach. Commending the government’s approach towards dealing with the recent flydubai incident in Russia, she said the mishap offered a very important experience in crisis management.

In the session dedicated to the Zawaj Yaseer Application, Sultan Al Housani talked about his smart application, which was developed in cooperation with colleagues at Zayed University’s College of Technological Innovation. A one-stop shop for would-be brides and grooms looking for quick services and multiple options, the application aims to reduce marriage costs through discounts and offers from service providers in the UAE. Al Housani explained some of the features in the application, such as the easy search for wedding planners and service providers.

At the end of the sessions on day one at the Community Innovation Platform, participants voted on innovative ideas and initiatives through turning on light bulbs placed around the platform at Expo Centre Sharjah. The platform is illuminated after each session to reflect its outcome to the audience.