MOI and Al Ain University Organize PR Forum: Social and Corporate Responsibility in Abu Dhabi
The Ministry of Interior, through its General Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol, in collaboration with Al Ain University in Abu Dhabi, convened the Public Relations Forum: Social and Corporate Responsibility at Al Dhafra Hall on the university’s campus. Held in conjunction with the Year of Community 2025, the forum constitutes a pivotal national platform for fostering strategic alliances among governmental bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector. Its objectives include the formulation of robust, enduring communication strategies, the exchange of best practices in institutional communications, and the advancement of social integration.
In his keynote address, Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Butti Al Shamsi, Deputy Director General of Public Relations and Protocol at the Ministry of Interior, affirmed that the forum marks a significant juncture in the evolution of corporate public relations. He noted that it reflects a unified vision aimed at cultivating a more agile and responsive institutional environment capable of adapting to the demands of the digital era. Brigadier Al Shamsi further underscored the necessity of consolidating efforts to foster awareness and build institutional reputations grounded in transparency, integrity, and effective engagement.
The forum featured four in-depth discussion sessions, each dedicated to a critical dimension of the public relations field.
The first session, Positive Interaction with the Public: The Key to Excellence in Public Relations, brought together a panel of high-level officials and academics to explore the impact of proactive engagement on enhancing institutional image and public trust. Speakers included His Excellency Maqsoud Cruz, Chairman of the National Human Rights Authority; Brigadier General Mohammed Butti Al Shamsi; Professor Abdul Karim Al Zayani, Professor of Communication and Media at Al Ain University; and His Excellency Hamed Al Neyadi, President of the Emirates Public Administration Society.
The second session, The Role of Public Relations in Promoting Security Awareness and Building Safe Communities, examined the indispensable function of public relations in cultivating a culture of awareness and prevention. Panelists included Major Dr. Abdullah bin Fadel, Head of the Retirees and Volunteers Affairs Department at the Ministry of Interior; Dr. Rania Abdul Qader, Professor of Communication and Media at Al Ain University; and Dr. Hajar Adel from the University of Fujairah.
In the third session, International Public Relations: A Bridge to Tolerance and Coexistence Between Cultures, speakers explored the cross-cultural dimensions of public relations as a conduit for fostering mutual understanding and global coexistence. Contributors to the session included Professor Alia Al Marzouqi, an international lecturer accredited by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence; Dr. Ahmed Al Jumaa, Professor of Communication and Media at Al Ain University; and Dr. Renee Abu Khodhwa, also from Al Ain University.
The forum concluded with a fourth and final session, Public Relations – A Comprehensive Vision for Building a Strong Reputation and Sustainable Institutional Success, which delved into holistic communication strategies aimed at cultivating resilient institutional identities and ensuring long-term success. The session featured Dr. Ruqayya Al Raisi of Khorfakkan University; Dr. Mohammed Al Adwan, Professor of Communication and Media at Al Ain University; and Professor Ibrahim Al Marzouqi from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.