Dubai: The International Media Diplomacy Programme (IMDP), organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), concluded on Saturday with a graduation event hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington DC.

The event was attended by Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, and Mona Al Marri, director-general of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

IMDP is the latest in a series of leadership development opportunities created by GDMO for members of the Dubai Media Diplomacy and Communication Network.

Developed in partnership with the Protocol School of Washington, and offered exclusively to members of the network, IMDP was held from November 10 to 16 in Washington DC.

The course aimed to help communication leaders in the UAE’s public and private sectors lead in today’s globalised environment, and respond innovatively to the challenges of communicating in a changing media landscape.

Al Otaiba said: “I would like to congratulate the Government of Dubai Media Office for putting together this leadership programme that addresses the vital areas of media diplomacy and international communication. Programmes like these support the UAE’s global vision and aspirations to spread across our messages by helping to create dynamic communicators who are skilled in engaging with audiences across the world. Communication is an essential element in diplomacy where media is a significant platform for global representation.”

Al Marri said: “Communication leaders in the UAE have a unique opportunity to tell the stories of UAE’s vision, growth and development to a global audience. These are stories not only of leadership, excellence and innovation but also of diversity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. We have to tell our stories creatively and innovatively, using new tools and strategies. Effective communication will be particularly important in realising the UAE’s ambition to be years ahead of the world, as part of the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”