Hundreds of members of staff from Sharjah Museums Authority successfully completed training courses in 2018 as part of SMA's ongoing and far-reaching commitment to creating a positive, empowering and supportive work environment.

As a proactive, positive and fully supportive employer of UAE nationals in the emirate of Sharjah, SMA encourages its staff to engage in regular training and educational programs throughout the year so that they can not only perform better in their chosen career, but also help to develop SMA's standing as a leading destination for art and culture in the UAE and the region.

A total of 318 team members were given the opportunity to boost their careers by participating in a host of extensive leadership, skills, and knowledge-based programs covering a range of topics. Many of the courses were developed around specific themes related to museum operations and the latest international best practices.

SMA's commitment to employee training and education is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his desire provide UAE nationals with all the tools, skills and opportunities they need to excel in the workplace and beyond.

At the heart of SMA's continuing push to develop exceptional members of staff is the highly successful Reyadah program. Now in its second year, the Reyadah annual leadership program nurtures and boosts the talents of Emirati staff.

The one-year course, which has proven to be extremely popular with team members working across all of SMA's departments, gives members of staff the opportunity to grow and develop their professional lives. Between March and December 2018, 12 UAE nationals from SMA's museums and main office participated in the Reyadah program.

The male and female employees explored key ideals such as leadership and self-development as well as more specific topics including the preservation and management of artefacts in SMA's extensive collections and best practices for sustainable museums in the 21st century.

Twenty-three members of SMA's staff also took part in detailed internal training courses to bring them up to date with the latest techniques and ideas related to museums and their operation.

While training and supporting its team of full-time staff is an essential part of SMA's mission, 2018 also saw SMA welcome a total of 265 volunteers and 69 interns from the local community, schools, universities and other entities who discovered the extensive and varied work carried out by SMA across its museums and various community activations.

Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, said: "SMA's mission to provide an essential platform for art and culture appreciation and continue to pioneer educational initiatives in the UAE would not be possible without the commitment of our team of staff. It is therefore essential that we offer each individual working in our museums and offices the opportunity to reach their personal and career goals through their participation in especially tailored training programs.

"By empowering our UAE national staff, in particular, and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their work, SMA will continue to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to ensure a sustainable cultural sector workforce with clear professional development trajectory."

Maitha Abdalla Al Hammadi, HR Manager at Sharjah Museums Authority, said: "SMA places huge importance on the continued training, development and progression of all of its staff. Every employee is given the chance to grow into their chosen career by boosting not only their professional but also their personal skills.

"The HR team, department managers and leaders are all focused on creating opportunities to allow members of staff to flourish. This successful approach to employee welfare is the foundation on which the great working environment that exists throughout SMA's museums and offices is built

"Areas of particular need are addressed and evaluated with all staff presented with clear progression paths that enable them to see the results of their hard work and receive the recognition and appreciation of their peers and superiors."