The General Network of Government Communications (GNGC) of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai held its Q4 2022 meeting at the Dubai Police General Headquarters, to discuss best practices and relevant strategies for government communications in the Emirate.

Members of the General Network of Government Communications discussed best practices and relevant strategies regarding government communications in Dubai.

His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and Engineer Ahmad Al Mahri, Assistant Secretary General of Government Communications and General Secretariat Affairs, attended the meeting alongside GNGC members from across communications departments in government entities.

A Strategic Driver

His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, highlighted the importance of collaboration and joint government efforts. He said: “The General Network of Government Communications is a strategic driver in coordinating the efforts of directors of communications across government entities and ensuring unity in government work, in line with the one team approach emphasized by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It also operates under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to ensure the highest levels of excellence in government work.”

Government Communications Framework

On his part, His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri said: “Government entities in Dubai work in line with the directives and visions of our leadership that aim to develop effective channels to measure the performance of government communications and educate about the government’s aspirations. Hence, government communication plays a critical role in delivering the strategic messages and unifying them for the public.”

His Excellency noted the importance of opening channels of communications with the public and expanding the circle of collaboration to enhance the Government of Dubai’s status as one of the best governments in the world. He added: “Dubai Police leverages its communications arm to translate police messages and convey them objectively to the public across various media channels. The aim is to educate the people about Dubai Police’s services and achievements, as they helpin maintaining the safety and stability of the Emirate.”

He noted that the continued efforts of GNGC contributed to effective adoption ofcommunications strategies, which helps government leaders positively impact the public’s perception.

A Unified Strategy

Engineer Ahmad Al Mahri said: “A key pillar to the success of government work in fulfilling its mission and achieving its objectives is the ability to communicate effectively and accurately convey strategic messages through innovative channels. Utilizing international best practices and continuously employing the best available capabilities, Dubai has succeeded in providing a model for effective government communication with various internal and external stakeholders.”

He also noted that collaborations between government entities enhance Dubai’s status, which will reflect positively on the government’s work.

One Approach

On her part, Budoor Ali, Director of Government Communications at the General Secretariat Affairs at The Executive Council, said: “Through the General Network of Government Communications, we aim to coordinate with all stakeholders to follow the one-voice approach, to enhance cooperation and support the pivotal role of the communications departments.”

Agenda

During the meeting, GNGC members discussed the developments in government communications at the General Secretariat of The Executive Council. In addition, Dr. Hazza Al Nuaimi, General Coordinator of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, presented the impact of government communications as a key tool in developing institutional performance and government work.

Major Khalid Al Marri, Head of the Social Media Section at the Security Media Department at the General Department of Community Happiness in Dubai Police, also shared a successful case study of establishing a communications room at Dubai Police.

Ahmad Al Tunaiji, Director of Communications at the Dubai Health Authority, proposed enhancing communication strategic partners to achieve the desired institutional goals of the health sector.