The Arab Media Award, a prestigious recognition in the world of journalism, celebrated its Silver Jubilee during the opening ceremony of the Arab Media Summit 2026, held in Dubai. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event marked a significant milestone in acknowledging excellence within the Arab media landscape.
Celebrating Excellence in Arab Journalism
The award ceremony, organized by the Dubai Press Club, saw the presence of key figures in the media community, including Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who honored the winners with distinguished awards. The event was attended by a myriad of dignitaries, including ministers and influential media leaders from across the Arab world and beyond. This year’s Arab Media Summit attracted nearly 10,000 professionals and stakeholders, emphasizing Dubai’s growing role as a regional media hub.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commended the recipients for their commitment to responsible journalism and their pursuit of excellence. His remarks underscored the importance of the award in shaping a media landscape that reflects the aspirations of the Arab community. He further highlighted the award’s contribution to fostering innovation and higher standards within the industry, urging media professionals to embrace new technologies while upholding core journalistic values.
Recognizing Exceptional Talent
During the ceremony, several journalists and media professionals were honored for their outstanding contributions. Walid Abdul Latif Al-Nusif, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Qabas in Kuwait, received the Media Personality of the Year Award for his long-standing commitment to quality journalism. Iraqi journalist Inaam Kachachi was recognized with the Best Columnist Award for her unique blend of literary insight and journalistic rigor.
Other winners included CNBC Arabia’s “Taht Al Daw” (Under the Spotlight), which was awarded Best Economic Programme, and Al Nahar TV’s “Al Soura” (The Image), recognized as the Best Social Programme. The ceremony highlighted the diversity of talent within the media, showcasing awards across various categories, including Best Documentary and Political Journalism, illustrating the breadth of creativity and professionalism in the Arab media sector.
A Legacy of 25 Years
As the Arab Media Award celebrated its 25th anniversary, Mona Ghanem Al Marri emphasized its significant role in nurturing creativity and enhancing Dubai’s standing as a leading media hub. She expressed gratitude to both current and former members of the Arab Media Award Board for their steadfast commitment and contributions over the years. This legacy of excellence is a testament to the award’s vital role in championing high standards of journalism.
The dedication to upholding integrity and impartiality by successive judging panels has solidified the award’s credibility within the media community. The Arab Media Award, under the governance of its esteemed Board, has successfully brought together notable writers and thinkers, reinforcing its identity as a key player in driving journalistic excellence in the region.
The Arab Media Award continues to inspire the next generation of media professionals, fostering an innovative and impactful Arabic media landscape. With its commitment to evolving alongside the industry, the award is poised to remain at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating excellence in journalism for many years to come.