The Arab Media Award will celebrate its silver jubilee during the Arab Media Summit 2026, marking 25 years of recognising excellence, professionalism and creativity across the Arab media industry.
The milestone celebrations will form part of the 24th Arab Media Summit, taking place from 15th to 17th September at Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Launched in November 1999 as the Arab Journalism Award, the initiative was established to raise professional standards, encourage innovation and recognise journalists contributing positively to Arab society. Dubai Press Club was entrusted with developing and managing the Award while maintaining its integrity and pan-Arab reach.
In 2021, the initiative entered a new phase when it was renamed the Arab Media Award and expanded beyond journalism to include three main sectors: Arab Journalism, Visual Media and Digital Media. The transformation reflected major changes in how media is produced and consumed across the region.
Over its 25-year journey, the Award has attracted more than 82,460 entries from across the Arab world and recognised 359 winners and honourees. A total of AED22.1 million in prize money has been awarded.
Today, the Award features 33 categories covering different media segments and specialisations. Its governance has also involved 116 prominent media, academic and cultural figures who have served on its Board of Directors across eight terms.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, President of Dubai Press Club and Chairperson of the Arab Media Award Board, said the initiative has grown into a distinguished platform for celebrating achievements across the industry.
The silver jubilee will provide an opportunity to reflect on the Award’s contribution to Arab media while looking ahead to emerging professional, technological and ethical challenges.
As the media industry continues to evolve across digital platforms and content formats, the Award aims to maintain its focus on journalistic integrity, responsible media and content that delivers meaningful impact.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
