Dubai Press Club introduces ninth edition of ‘Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award’ with updated format

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Press Club has announced the opening of submissions for the ninth edition of the ‘Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award,’ inviting media students from across the Arab world to participate. The award aims to recognize and nurture young talent in the media industry, offering them a platform to showcase their creativity and skills.

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and with the support of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, this revamped award is a continuation of the Ibda’a Media Student Awards, which were first launched in 2001. The goal of this initiative is to identify and support the next generation of media professionals who can contribute to the growth of the Arab media landscape.

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Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, highlighted that the award’s new format aims to inspire young media students to strive for excellence in their studies and future careers. She emphasized that the Dubai Press Club is committed to helping these talented individuals connect with leading media organizations and make their mark in the industry.

The award features six categories: Podcasting, E-Games, Multimedia, Photography, Short Video, and News Reports. The competition is open to all media students across the Arab world, with the option for individual or group submissions. Students can apply directly or through their universities, as long as their projects meet the award’s guidelines and are supported by an official letter from their academic institution.

Jasim Al Shemsi, a member of the award’s Organizing Committee, explained that the categories reflect the changing landscape of media and advancements in the industry over the past two decades. He encouraged universities and media faculties to motivate their students to submit their projects for the award. Submissions can be made online via the Dubai Press Club’s official website.

The award aims to strengthen Arab media by discovering and empowering young talent. Amna Khalil, another member of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of continuously bringing fresh talent and ideas to the industry. The Dubai Press Club’s efforts to foster such opportunities ensure that young media creators have a platform to contribute to the future of Arab media.

The winners of the competition will be honored during a special ceremony as part of the Arab Youth Media Forum. A jury of media experts will evaluate the submissions based on the integrity of the work, and the process will ensure fair judgment for all participants. Each category will have a cash prize of $5,000 for the winners.

Submissions must be original, and participants should confirm exclusive ownership of their work. The Dubai Press Club also reserves the right to use parts of the submitted entries for promotional purposes. The awards will be judged on creativity, originality, and quality, and entries can be submitted in either Arabic or English.

The ‘Ibda’a – Arab Youth Media Award’ reaffirms Dubai’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation in the Arab media sector. By giving young talents the opportunity to showcase their abilities, the award aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in media and a hub for talent development.