DXB500 Second Edition Boosts Media Leaders' Skills in Crisis Communication & Content Creation

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Under the guidance of Ahmed bin Mohammed, the second edition of the DXB500 Communication Training Programme took place, aiming to deepen the knowledge of media and communication specialists. The two-day programme focused on topics like strategic planning, crisis communication, and creating content across various platforms.

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, shared that the programme aims to develop communications professionals who can tackle challenges and show Dubai as a city known for innovation, success, and diversity. Rashid Al Marri highlighted that DXB500 is not just a training course but a platform to build a strong network of communication leaders.

The second edition of DXB500 concluded on 8 May, with a new group of media professionals completing their training. The programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office in partnership with global experts.

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Designed to help media and communication professionals improve their skills, the programme included workshops, interactive sessions, and talks by experts. The participants gained valuable insights into handling different platforms and practical situations, and learned how to adapt their messaging strategies while keeping up with new media trends and technology.

Some of the key sessions included topics like "Resilience Command Hub" by Manus Cranny, "Spin Doctors: Media Meets Government" by Hannah Guenther, "No More Brochures" by Noora Al Abbar, and "The Art of Effective Crisis Communication" by Mona Al Marri. Other sessions covered subjects like "Storytelling In The Age Of Algorithms," "ADHD Comms," and "Narrative Warfare."

The DXB500 programme highlights Dubai's leadership vision to prepare professionals for the future and build the necessary skills to support long-term growth. Experts from local and international media organizations have worked to help improve communication strategies across the city.

Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri explained that the DXB500 programme reflects the leadership’s vision to support media and communication professionals. It also helps officials understand the fast-changing media landscape, ensuring they can perform their roles effectively.

The strategic goal of the DXB500 programme is to enhance the skills of communication officers in public sector organisations. The training also helps improve digital communication, crisis management, and building strong institutional narratives. It aims to improve how organisations communicate with both local and global audiences, strengthening partnerships with international media outlets.

Rashid Humaid Almarri, Director of Strategic Relations at the Government of Dubai Media Office, emphasized that the programme helps communication leaders refine their skills. It also supports creating a unified message that aligns the communication teams of different organisations.

Huda Dakhouni, Project Manager for DXB500, shared that the programme focused on hands-on learning. Participants were equipped with new tools and strategies to improve their communication skills. The programme was well-received, with high engagement and a commitment from government entities to invest in media training.

The two-day programme included practical skill-building sessions on storytelling, digital platform engagement, smartphone videography, and rapid editing. The second day included project presentations, where participants had the opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned.

The DXB500 programme selects 50 participants from heads of communication departments across Dubai. With two sessions held annually, the programme ensures ongoing professional development and extends its reach to more professionals in the media and communication sectors.