HE Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), has emphasised that the media, healthcare, and law enforcement sectors in the UAE are playing an honourable and instrumental role in relaying timely and accurate information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation to the public. He underlined that their daily efforts and sacrifices are ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the nation, as best can be achieved during these uncertain times.

“I am proud to be working with a host of dedicated and creative media personnel with strong professional ethics who are performing every duty that ensures the smooth functioning of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. We are all working under the directives and close monitoring of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), who is virtually engaged with us every day,” noted Khalaf.

The session was also attended by Sheikh Salim bin Adbulrahman Al Qasimi; and Sheikha Aisha Khalid Al Qasimi, Director of SYL, 200 young women and men for the UAE and the region, and a host of journalists, over a virtual talk yesterday (Tuesday), organised by Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah (SYL) an affiliate of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating leaders and Innovators. The talk was part of SYL’s ‘Meet with an Influencer’ series, which completed a three-episode special edition dedicated to heightening community awareness on COVID-19 and celebrating the unstinting efforts of healthcare and other frontline workers as the UAE and the world.

Khalaf spoke about his schooling and his passion to study Arabic language and culture. He took his audience through several career highlights, and detailed his professional journey up until his appointment as the Director General of SBA.

“I began my career at the Sharjah TV and did not feel the need to go anywhere else. Here, I was working and receiving media training simultaneously, given I did not have a background in media. However, my strong Arabic language skills aided my career progression. I believed and still do that a good grasp over language is key to becoming a successful journalist,” HE Mohamed Hassan Khalaf continued.

“At Sharjah TV, I found myself always strategising ways to promote Arabic language and culture among our viewers. Of the most valuable lessons I learned in my career was that when we have determination, persistence, and clear objectives, we will surely succeed,” he added.

Highlighting some of the key practices, which students as well as professionals must take up in order to be successful in journalism and media, Khalaf stressed that reading and gaining knowledge must be part and parcel of their lives. Saying it was the only way to benefit their target audience, he added that they must deepen their cultural understanding of different parts of the world, increase their knowledge of every field, and should turn to books habitually.

Khalaf went on to express his delight to be part of SBA, which enabled him to develop himself under the continued guidance and mentorship of the Sharjah Ruler, adding that Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs offers her close support and follow-up to Sharjah TV and every SBA affiliate.

Khalaf thanked all healthcare personnel in the country, saying: “You are the heroes who defend us. You are fighting to escort us to permanent safety. Because of you efforts, we are safe.”

HE Mohamed Hassan Khalaf lauded SYL for offering this discussion platform to enable dialogue between successful personalities from a variety of sectors and the UAE’s youth. Participants concluded the session by singing the UAE National Anthem in tribute to frontline workers in the nation’s healthcare, law enforcement and media sectors.

Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah is dedicated to developing the talents of girls aged 13 – 18 years in all creative spheres. Established in 2004 under the Sharjah Children Centres umbrella, it became an independent entity in 2012 following an administrative decree by HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) and Chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators.