Sky News Arabia Academy partners with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation to launch two-year media training programme for UAE Nationals
Sky News Arabia Academy, part of IMI Media Academy, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) at Global Media Congress to launch the Nomu Al Ghurair - Siraj, a new two-year media training programme for 450 UAE nationals. ‘Siraj’, a pathway under ‘Nomu Al Ghurair’ is the largest Emirati media training programme to ever launch in the region, the MoU will allow up-and-coming talents to experience the world of media first-hand and learn from some of industry’s most renowned figures. The Sky News Arabia Academy, as part of the IMI Media Academy, will work with AGF to help Emirati talent become confident, accomplished, and empathetic leaders in their fields. Led by renowned Emirati news presenter, expert trainer and Director of IMI Media Academy, Faisal Bin Huraiz, the partnership reflects IMI’s ambition to unlock the leader in every individual.
AGF, the largest privately funded philanthropic foundation in the Arab region focused on education, is dedicated to empowering Emirati and Arab youth and encouraging them to contribute to sustainable development. Through the Nomu Al Ghurair - Siraj, the two entities will work together to amplify Emirati voices in media, journalism, and content creation. The comprehensive training programme will be delivered in real-world learning environments and with world-class resources and globally certified coaches and mentors. Set to launch in January 2025, the practical and industry-driven modules will cover innovative subjects such as AI techniques in content creation, presentation skills, and production of professional digital content according to the best technologies, and more. Split into three distinct pillars – Relationships, Capabilities, and Achievement – the programme will welcome a total 225 participants throughout the year. Featuring a two-month, two-phase programme, every course will welcome 75 students in January and February, new group will be repeating the same format in April and May, and again in October and November.
Dr Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO at AGF, said: “In a world where effective communication shapes societies and influences global dynamics, mastering this art is crucial. As with all our Nomu Al Ghurair pathways, our partnership with IMI Media Academy will deliver top-tier training to empower young Emiratis. This initiative equips them with essential skills to drive economic progress and communicate regional achievements and challenges on the global stage both effectively and responsibly. By investing in premier media and content creation training, we are cultivating leaders who will excel in shaping a better future.”
As part of the final phase of the programme, 18 candidates will be offered internships at Sky News Arabia. There, they will have the opportunity to shadow and work alongside the channel’s seasoned reporters and producers and gain more valuable hands-on experience.
Faisal Bin Huraiz, Director of IMI Media Academy, added: “This new programme, the largest of its kind in the region, is part of our wider aim to foster local talent and empower them to shape the media landscape in the Arab World. By utilising the skills of Sky News Arabia’s experts in presenting, journalism, and content creation, we are confident that the programme will equip the students with the skills that help them build a solid career in journalism. I would like to thank the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for this great partnership, and we look forward to celebrating the fruitful outcomes of our collaborative programme in the months to come. Graduates will be able to tell their success stories and activate their role in an influential way in society by mastering advanced skills needed by future leaders"".
The selection process for the initial participants will take place until December 2024, with further details on how to apply to be announced soon.