Saud bin Saqr Scholarship Program Celebrates First Cohort of Graduates in Broadcast Journalism & TV Production

Press release

Published May 2nd, 2024 - 06:42 GMT

Saud bin Saqr Scholarship Program Celebrates First Cohort of Graduates in Broadcast Journalism & TV Production

Highlights

• The inaugural Saud bin Saqr Scholarship Program celebrated its first cohort of 14 graduates at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)

• The Program is a collaboration between the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, RAK Government Media Office and AURAK

May 1, 2024, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: The inaugural Saud bin Saqr Scholarship Program celebrated its first graduation ceremony today at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), honoring a dynamic cohort of 14 students who successfully completed the five-week broadcasting course.

Led by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Scholarship Program aims to train the next generation of skilled journalists and content creators to produce engaging content and further elevate the region’s global profile.

Launched in 2023 under the patronage of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, supported by Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (RAKGMO) and facilitated by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, the three-week academic segment incorporated three units: broadcast and multimedia fundamentals; guest sessions from media professionals; and a practical assignment exploring a specific aspect of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The five-week course also included a two-week mandatory internship allowing students to gain hands-on experience at select RAK Government entities and private organizations, including RAKGMO, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and more.

Describing the inaugural graduation, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Her Excellency Ms. Heba Fatani, stated: “These graduates embody the spirit of excellence, dedication and innovation that define our vision for the Saud bin Saqr Scholarship Program. Their achievements inspire us all as we continue to nurture the next generation of journalists and media professionals.”

Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, Dr. Natasha Ridge, said: “Aligned with our mission, this program embodies a creative, collaborative and people-centered approach that builds the knowledge and skills of dedicated students. We look forward to the positive contribution these students will make to the Ras Al Khaimah community.”

Adding to this, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Dr. David A. Schmidt: “This ceremony marks the realization of AURAK’s commitment to fostering excellence in media education. These graduates represent the future of broadcasting, armed with the skills to positively influence the media landscape.”

One graduate, Ms. Azza Al Ali, expressed her pride at successfully completing the Program: “I am truly grateful for this invaluable experience. The comprehensive curriculum and practical training have equipped me with essential skills and insights, enabling me to excel in reporting. Interacting with industry professionals has been inspiring, fueling my passion for journalism.”

The graduation ceremony was part of the AURAK Mass Communication Program’s Annual Media Harvest, showcasing outstanding student projects and initiatives in film, advertising, digital media, public relations, design and more.

Find more information @au_rak and aurak.ac.ae

Background Information

Ras Al Khaimah

The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is a scenic, well-endowed Emirate in the UAE, with beaches, farms, framed at the backdrop by the North Western range of the famous Hajar mountains. With a population of just under half a million, the emirate has an area of 2,486 square kilometres and a coastline of 64 kilometres. The emirate is served by Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

The Emirate has the most fertile soil in the country, and a higher rainfall, backed by underground streams from the Hajar Mountains. Large farms surround the airport region of the emirate, which provide fresh vegetables and husbandry to the region.

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne recently entered into a strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), thus not only recognising Ras Al Khaimah as one of the fastest-growing tourist destination in the Middle East but also, the visionary emirates enthusiastic engagement in numerous initiatives designed to make it a regional market leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.