Doha: An initiative by H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has announced the first ‘Arab Social Media Award’ in the region.
It aims to encourage Arab societies to employ optimal and responsible use of social media to increase awareness of issues of concern to Arab community and serve development efforts.
Focused on the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world, the award has been conceptualised as an annual event to honour individual and institutional innovations in different sectors and different social media channels that help establish a positive environment for innovation and creativity.
The award will have three criteria that define its orientation and positioning as an Arabian award of excellence. It will be positive in form and content through its focus on: connectivity, creativity and impact.
The award will not only honour innovation in communication in Arab societies but will also recognise those who contribute to progress and prosperity by promoting positive Arab dialogue in the community.
Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Mohammed said social media has become fundamental to the social, economic and political fabric of the Arab world and played a key role in shaping events.
“Social media influencers are important change-makers in society. Those who bring wisdom, creativity and positivity are a powerful force for good, because social media is a powerful tool for development and progress.
“The Arab world has not yet made the most of the enormously positive potential of social media. This award will highlight successful examples in the area of social media and use them as a basis to maximise benefits to society.”
Focusing on the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world, the award will promote best practices on social platforms and technologies at an annual ceremony in Dubai.
“We want this prize to add real value to efforts to develop channels and sectors of the Arab media. By honouring online influencers, we stress the great value an innovative and effective social media presence can bring,” he said.
The award has 20 categories: Government Sector, Private Sector, Blogs, Media, Sport, Tolerance, CSR, Education, Youth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Politics, Health, Arts, Safety, Security, Shopping, Environment, Tourism and Entertainment.
The Personality of the Year Award will honour individuals who contribute to positive development of the community through their participation on social media networks.
Individuals and companies can apply through the award website www.ArabSocialMediaAward.ae.
In the first stage, a committee will evaluate and shortlist applications. Winners will be chosen in the second stage.
The Peninsula
