The Arab Youth Media Award, known as ‘Ibda’a,’ continues to play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing emerging media talent throughout the Arab world. Now in its 10th edition, this prestigious award not only highlights the exceptional work of media students but also connects them with industry professionals, paving the way for their future careers.
Celebrating New Talent in Media
The recent ceremony held in Dubai was graced by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, along with prominent figures including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event took place as part of the larger Arab Media Summit 2026, emphasizing its significance in the media landscape. Awards were presented across multiple categories, recognizing outstanding contributions and urging winners to hone their creative abilities to shape the future of Arab media.
The ceremony also featured notable attendees such as Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, and Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council. Their presence underscores the event’s importance in promoting media education and recognizing talent.
Diverse Categories Acknowledge Multi-Disciplinary Skills
This year’s award showcased six distinct categories that reflect the rapid evolution and diversity of the media sector: Journalism Reports, Podcasting, E-Gaming, Multimedia, Short Video, and Photography. These categories provide invaluable platforms for students to demonstrate their skills while exploring various aspects of media.
Among this year’s winners, Rahaf Al Sayed Ouda Al Mohtaseb from Applied Science Private University in Jordan took home the award for Journalism Reports. The Podcasting category was claimed by the team behind the “Fourth Strip” from Cairo University. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates University team won for their work “Discover Al Ain” in the Gaming category, while Maitha Waleed bin Dimooh Al Shahi of the Higher Colleges of Technology triumphed in Multimedia. The Short Video award went to the “Kuwait from Past to Present” team from Gulf University for Science and Technology, and the Photography award was won by Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Ya’arubi from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.
Empowering Young Voices in Arab Media
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, noted that the Arab Youth Media Award serves as a testament to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to empower young talent. She emphasized the impressive quality of this year’s submissions, with participants adept at leveraging new technologies to create compelling content. Similarly, Amna Khalil, Director of the award, pointed out that the 10th edition demonstrates increasing interest and engagement from promising talent across the region.
The Arab Youth Media Award effectively bridges the gap between academic training and real-world application, offering students a unique opportunity to showcase their work to industry veterans. This program not only allows them to gain visibility but also aids media organizations in identifying the next generation of creative talent poised to drive the industry forward.
In essence, the 10th edition of the Arab Youth Media Award reinforces its mission to support and elevate young Arab creatives, transforming their educational experiences into professional pathways. The event serves as a hallmark for aspiring media professionals, ensuring that new voices with innovative ideas continue to emerge in the dynamic media landscape.