https://www.broadcastprome.com/ :The Arab Media Award is set to mark its 25th anniversary during the upcoming Arab Media Summit 2026, celebrating a quarter-century of recognising excellence, professionalism and creativity across the Arab media industry.

The silver jubilee celebrations will form part of the 24th Arab Media Summit, one of the region’s largest media gatherings, which will take place from September 15 to 17 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The summit is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.

The anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Arab Media Award’s contribution to the development of the region’s media sector, particularly through its focus on professional standards, journalistic integrity and creative achievement. It also comes as the industry undergoes rapid technological and structural changes, creating new professional and ethical challenges for media organisations and practitioners.

Over the past 25 years, the Award has evolved alongside the wider media industry while maintaining its position as a benchmark for Arab media excellence. By recognising outstanding work and highlighting influential figures across different media disciplines, the initiative has encouraged media institutions and professionals to produce high-quality content capable of creating meaningful social impact and supporting development priorities across the Arab world.

Highlighting the milestone, Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Arab Media Award, said: “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Media Award was launched 25 years ago as one of Dubai’s most significant initiatives to promote media excellence in the Arab world.

“We feel extremely proud and honoured by what the Award has achieved over this period, celebrating magnificent accomplishments and recognising prominent media and intellectual figures who have made immense contributions to the future of Arab journalism and media. The Award has earned a place in the hearts of generations of Arab media professionals as the most distinguished and distinctive platform celebrating excellence across the industry, ultimately leading to even wider participation across successive editions.”

Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award Board, said: “The Arab Media Award’s silver jubilee is a moment to reflect on a journey steeped in the profound values and achievements of media professionals, institutions, and experts from across the Arab world. All through this journey, the Award has gone from strength to strength, greatly exceeding the anticipation around the annual ceremony and constantly redefining itself as a glossary of Arab media achievements and a sustainable platform for celebrating talent, expertise, and journalistic values that positively impact society.”

Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, said: “The silver jubilee of the Arab Media Award marks a historic milestone, reflecting a remarkable journey that has contributed to elevating standards of excellence, fostering positive competition, and reinforcing the role of responsible media. The Award has successfully kept pace with the rapid transformations witnessed by the sector—from print journalism to visual media, digital platforms and content creation—while remaining true to its core values and central mission of recognising creativity and supporting Arab talent. It is thus a testament to the evolution of Arab media.”

The initiative was originally launched as the Arab Journalism Award in November 1999 on the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Its objective was to help transform the Arab media landscape by encouraging professional excellence, innovation and high-quality journalism. The Dubai Press Club was tasked with establishing the Award and developing a framework designed to ensure its independence, integrity, objectivity and broad appeal across the Arab world.

The Award was built on the principle that media can play a constructive role in serving society. Journalists were viewed as ambassadors capable of using their professional expertise and creativity to provide deeper insight, encourage social responsibility and generate positive impact. An independent Board was established to oversee the Award and its various categories and ensure that its standards remained consistent with these principles.

A major transformation came in 2021, when the Arab Journalism Award was renamed the Arab Media Award and expanded into three main sectors: Arab Journalism, Visual Media and Digital Media. The restructuring reflected the changing nature of the media industry and allowed the Award to recognise a broader range of work across emerging and established platforms.

The Award’s 25-year history also highlights its extensive reach. Across its various editions, it has received more than 82,460 entries from across the Arab world, with 359 individuals and works ultimately receiving recognition as winners or honourees. The total value of prizes awarded over the period has reached AED22.1 million.

The Award currently encompasses 33 categories covering a wide range of media disciplines and specialisations. Its Board of Directors has also brought together leading figures from the region, with 116 prominent media, academic and cultural experts serving across eight successive terms.

As the Arab Media Award enters its next chapter, its silver jubilee reflects not only its long-standing contribution to the industry but also the changing role of media in the Arab world. Its record of participation, recognition and institutional development underscores its continued focus on encouraging excellence, responsible journalism, creativity and content capable of making a positive impact on society.