Sharjah Press Club Showcases Media Innovation at IGCF 2025

The Sharjah Press Club is set to play a major role at the upcoming International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), which will take place on September 10 and 11 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. This year, the club will create a unique interactive space where visitors can experience media work in a hands-on way. Through professional news bulletin simulations, attendees will get a clear understanding of how news is produced, presented, and delivered in a real newsroom. This initiative gives the public an exceptional chance to see the behind-the-scenes of the media industry and gain first-hand experience in media operations.

Interactive Media Experience for Visitors

The interactive space designed by the Sharjah Press Club is aimed at engaging visitors of all ages. Participants will have the opportunity to step into a simulated newsroom environment, where they can experience what it feels like to be part of a media production team. From reading and presenting news to working with broadcasting tools, this experience is meant to educate and inspire those who are curious about journalism and media production. The goal is to help the audience, especially young students and aspiring journalists, understand the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the media industry.

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Commitment to Knowledge and Media Development

The club’s participation in IGCF 2025 aligns perfectly with its mission to provide timely and relevant knowledge in a world where technology and media are constantly evolving. By offering educational sessions and interactive experiences, the club is helping both current and future media professionals adapt to changes in the industry. The event also reflects the club’s broader vision of empowering media practitioners and supporting their growth. With tools, workshops, and practical demonstrations, the Sharjah Press Club is creating opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development in the media field.

Humans or Machines? A Debate on Journalism and AI

One of the highlights of the forum will be a thought-provoking debate titled “Journalism and AI: Humans or Machines?” This session is designed to encourage dialogue about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in journalism. AI has been changing how content is created, processed, and distributed, but it also raises important ethical and professional questions.

During the session, experts will discuss how AI can help journalists work faster, organize information more efficiently, and even improve the quality of reporting. At the same time, the discussion will cover potential risks, such as the loss of human judgment in reporting and the ethical dilemmas involved in relying too heavily on technology.

Speakers for this session include Dr. Hossam Al-Najjar, an advisor in artificial intelligence, education, and innovation, and Simon Thithy, a media and technology consultant. They will share insights on how journalists can safely incorporate AI into their work while preserving core journalistic values like accuracy, fairness, and credibility.

30 Essential Apps for Journalists

Another engaging session at the forum is titled “For Smarter Journalism: 30 Apps Every Journalist Needs” and will be led by Nick Garnett, a Mobile Journalism Expert. This session is designed to introduce journalists to a wide range of digital tools that can make their work easier, faster, and more effective.

The session will cover applications that help journalists collect information, analyze data, and present stories in a visually compelling way. These apps are especially useful for mobile journalists, reporters working on tight deadlines, and media teams that want to create interactive and engaging content for their audiences. By learning about these tools, journalists can improve their productivity and storytelling skills while keeping up with the fast-changing media landscape.

Writing Headlines that Stand Out

Headlines are the first thing readers see, and they play a crucial role in attracting attention and summarizing the main point of a story. At IGCF 2025, Maged Monir, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram newspaper, will lead a session called “Headlines: The Key to News Highlights.”

In this session, Monir will discuss the art of crafting headlines that are accurate, professional, and appealing to readers. Participants will learn how to create headlines that grab attention, convey essential information, and encourage readers to explore the full story. This session is especially valuable for journalists working in digital media, where competition for readers’ attention is high and every headline counts.

Training the Next Generation of Media Professionals

The Sharjah Press Club is also focused on training young media talents through its “Ithmar” media training program, designed for students aged 10 to 17. Graduates of this program will actively participate in the IGCF 2025 by gaining hands-on experience in a professional media environment.

As part of their involvement, these students will conduct interviews with forum attendees, applying the skills they have learned during their training. This approach allows young journalists to practice reporting, develop their communication skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. By immersing students in a real-world media setting, the program prepares them for future careers in journalism while expanding their understanding of the industry.

A Platform for Media Innovation and Learning

Overall, the Sharjah Press Club’s participation in IGCF 2025 demonstrates its commitment to advancing journalism and media education. From AI debates to app showcases, headline workshops, and youth training programs, the club is creating a rich and interactive experience for all participants.

This forum is not just an event for media professionals but also an educational platform for students, enthusiasts, and the public. It emphasizes learning, creativity, and the responsible use of technology in journalism. By providing such opportunities, the Sharjah Press Club is helping to shape the future of media in the UAE and beyond.

Through these sessions and activities, attendees will gain practical skills, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation of the media profession. Whether it is understanding the role of AI, discovering the latest digital tools, mastering the art of headlines, or training young journalists, the forum promises to be an enlightening and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

The Sharjah Press Club’s initiative at IGCF 2025 highlights the importance of adapting to technological changes while upholding the ethical and professional standards of journalism. It also reflects the club’s dedication to fostering growth, innovation, and creativity in the media sector, ensuring that both current and future journalists are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.