The Advisory Council of the University of Sharjah’s College of Communication convened its first meeting of the 2026/2027 academic year, bringing together media executives, journalists, academics and communications specialists to consider how the college can keep pace with a rapidly changing media landscape.

The meeting reviewed the college’s latest developments as well as its academic and institutional plans, with an emphasis on strengthening its ties with media organizations, professional bodies and academic institutions. The council’s work is intended to help ensure that the college’s programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the media and communications sector.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Nouar Tabet, Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed council members and underscored the body’s importance in supporting the college and advancing its academic programs. He said members’ experience and recommendations would help strengthen the college’s continuing development.

Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, emphasized the council’s role in deepening the college’s connection with the wider community and the media industry. He noted that members’ professional expertise could help guide the college’s academic and career-focused priorities.

H.E. Khalid Abdullah Omran Taryam, chairman of Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing and Publishing and editor in chief of Al Khaleej newspaper, who chairs the advisory council, highlighted the value of an active exchange of perspectives between the college and specialists in media and communications. Such dialogue, he said, can help strengthen academic programs and keep them aligned with the demands of the job market.

Professor Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, presented an overview of the college’s mission, objectives and academic programs, as well as its research, professional training, media production and consulting activities. He also outlined plans to broaden partnerships with community and industry institutions; create training and mentoring opportunities for students and graduates; and explore funding opportunities for future initiatives and projects.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of recommendations for enhancing the college’s programs and addressing emerging challenges. The proposals focused on improving the quality of graduate outcomes and ensuring that the college remains closely attuned to labor-market needs and the accelerating transformation of media and communications. During the meeting, the council also elected Fadila Al Muaini, President of the UAE Journalists Association, as vice chairwoman.

The advisory council is chaired by H.E. Khalid Abdullah Omran Taryam and includes Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Rashid Al Obad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams); Hessa Al Hammadi, Assistant Secretary General of the Sharjah Media Council; Ms. Al Muaini; Mona Busamra, Director of the Dubai Media Academy; Prof. Harikleia Zinggous, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Al Akhawayn University, Morocco; Dr. Najla Al Dukhi, Director of Marketing and Government Communication at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs; Dr. Maclean Brodie, Chief Executive for the Middle East at MSL Group, part of Publicis; Alejandro Aguilera Garibay, Chief Executive of Cinépolis; Brian Lewis, Director of Global Communications at IN2; Mohammed Ibrahim Ahmed Al Hammadi, a journalist; Saad Abdullah Al Rubaiyan, an accredited public relations practitioner; Roberto Ordóñez, a managing partner, board adviser and negotiation strategist; and Kolia A. Rafferty, a visiting lecturer at the German University of Technology in Oman.