The Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has lined up more than 90 programmes covering a range of topics to be broadcast on its radio and television channels during the holy month of Ramadan this year. The announcement came at a virtual press conference held today (Tuesday, April 7).

Aligning with the UAE’s directives for social distancing to combat the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), SBA announced its Ramadan package will include 11 religious, 28 social and cultural programmes, 20 entertaining dramas and soap operas featuring the best of Arab TV stars, in addition to entertaining competitions, and a variety of radio shows and segments.

The virtual press conference saw the participation of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC); HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of SBA; Directors of the SBA’s radio and TV stations, and over 30 local and international reporters.

In his speech, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi stressed the important role of the mass media particularly in times of crisis. He said: “The media today has become an essential partner for social development, providing a window for people not only to the distant world, but also to the near. Now more than ever, the media’s responsibility is to support the community, by providing credible information, guiding people towards positive practices, helping them understand and be aware of the situation, and reassuring them.”

“Reaffirming our commitment to the nation’s social distancing directives, we meet virtually today to announce SBA’s Ramadan’s lineup of programmes. The authority is keen on providing meaningful programming that embraces education and entertainment for Emirati and Arab families and is accessible to all people all around the world,” added Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

For his part, HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf said: “In times of crisis, the media’s role and efforts must multiply to meet the demands of the public. Managing a crisis of this magnitude means that media outlets should display a high sense of responsibility, ethics and professionalism. At SBA, we continue our efforts with faith in our wise leadership to overcome this crisis, and commit to providing audiences quality and creative content through our TV channels and radio stations during the holy month of Ramadan,” Khalaf added.

Sharjah TV

During Ramadan, Sharjah TV channel will launch six new educational, cultural, entertainment and religious programmes, as well as three TV dramas suitable for all family members.

Al Wousta TV from Al Dhaid

With a special focus on the emirate of Sharjah’s central region, its traditions and culture, Al Wousta TV from Al Dhaid will run three new programmes covering the region’s historical landmarks, social topics, oral history and a traditional food show, in addition to two TV dramas.

Al Sharqiyah TV from Kalba

Al Sharqiyah TV from Kalba has nine social, cultural and cookery programmes lined up, in addition to five new TV dramas.

Sharjah Radio

The radio station has lined up nine spiritual and religious programmes, 15 programmes that cover a wide range of literary, cultural and educational topics, and four radio dramas. Sharjah Radio’s daily morning talk show Al Atheer will continue throughout the holy month.

Sharjah Holy Quran Radio

The Holy Quran Radio in Sharjah will boost its religious offerings with 15 Ramadan-focused programmes and segments, that delve into the history, meanings and tafseer of the different Suras and verses of Holy Quran.

Pulse 95 Radio

Sharjah’s first English-language radio station will launch a new daily talk show titled ‘Night Karak’, covering news, sports and inspiring stories and presenting various competitions every Wednesday during Ramadan.

Pulse 95 Radio will also broadcast various 1-minute segments covering topics related to Ramadan and fasting, meant to educate the non-Muslim English-speaking community in the UAE on some essential Ramadan practices. It also announced modified timings of its regular shows The Morning Majlis, Life Beats, Future Talk, and Yalla Home.

Sharjah Sports Channel

The Sharjah Sports Channel will broadcast two new sports shows during the holy month. It also announced the cancellation of the Sharjah Ramadan Futsal Championship in the wake of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.