The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) recently marked the successful completion of the third cohort of its strategic DXB500 Government Communication Training Programme, cementing the emirate’s commitment to advancing its public messaging capabilities. Held on December 16, 2025, the graduation ceremony recognized officials from various government and semi-government entities who completed the initiative designed to strengthen media skills and ensure effective communication across a rapidly evolving media ecosystem.
The DXB500 programme, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, serves as a cornerstone for GDMO’s vision to unify and elevate government messaging. By offering specialized training in strategic communication, digital content creation, and crisis response, the initiative aims to reinforce Dubai’s public perception as a global center for innovation and leadership.
Investing in Strategic Communication Capabilities
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of GDMO, underscored the program’s significance as a strategic investment in developing national media talent. She stated that “DXB500 equips participants with the tools and skills needed to deliver government messages with clarity, accuracy and influence,” emphasizing that effective communication is essential for supporting public policy, strengthening public trust, and aligning with Dubai’s ambitious priorities.
The programme specifically targets enhancing coordination between diverse government bodies, ensuring a coherent representation of policies and initiatives, and leveraging innovative communication methods. Participants gain practical expertise across critical domains:
- Storytelling and Content Creation: Mastering techniques for multi-platform delivery, including short-form digital content.
- Strategic Media Engagement: Building strong relationships with media professionals and content creators.
- Campaign Development: Focusing on designing and executing government campaigns that yield positive societal impact.
Focus on Digital and Impactful Messaging
The third edition of DXB500 placed a particularly strong focus on campaigns aimed at achieving positive social change, with heavy emphasis on utilizing digital media tools and innovative technologies. Through specialized sessions led by international and local experts, participants explored effective techniques in counteracting misinformation, designing compelling campaigns, and utilizing data for audience analysis. Case studies of successful government communication strategies in Dubai were reviewed to highlight best practices in reinforcing a positive image of the emirate both locally and internationally.
Hend Fekri, Acting Director of Strategic Media Relations at GDMO, reiterated the programme’s fundamental role in ensuring a unified voice. “DXB500 is a core programme in developing government communication in Dubai, supporting unified messaging, strengthening media readiness and enhancing coordination among government entities in addressing key issues and challenges,” she noted.
Cultivating Professional Growth and Unified Effort
The interactive learning environment facilitated by DXB500 allows officials to network, exchange knowledge, and collectively strengthen their readiness to manage complex media scenarios. Huda Dahkooni, Manager of the DXB500 Programme, highlighted that the training is meticulously aligned with current media developments, strengthening participants’ abilities in multi-platform storytelling and audience engagement.
Graduates praised the comprehensive curriculum, noting that the exposure to global best practices and practical workshops provided essential tools for enhancing professionalism, improving content creation skills, and responding effectively to media challenges.
Moving forward, DXB500 will continue developing the capabilities of Dubai’s communication teams, ensuring they are prepared to deliver impactful, future-focused content that reflects the emirate’s ongoing development and global ambitions. By investing in these foundational communication skills, Dubai reinforces its framework for transparency, public trust, and policy implementation.