Iraqi Journalist Recognized as Media Personality of the Year at Arab Media Summit
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed honored winners of the 24th Arab Media Award on May 27, 2025, at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai. The awards ceremony, organized by the Dubai Press Club, was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
Dr Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, alongside editors-in-chief, senior leaders of prominent media organizations, renowned writers, and influential figures from the Arab media landscape, attended the event at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed commended the Arab Media Award as a reflection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to establish Dubai as a leading hub for Arab media, celebrating excellence and innovation in this sector. He stated that media continues to be a cornerstone of development and a key pillar in shaping societal awareness. This year, the award honored distinguished media professionals recognized for enhancing public discourse and setting high standards in media practice.
Iraqi journalist Fakhri Karim, Chairman of the Board and Editor-in-Chief of the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts, received the Media Personality of the Year award for his contributions to Arab journalism, his long-standing service to Arab media, and his instrumental role in advancing journalism in Iraq. Renowned Egyptian journalist Suleiman Gouda of Al-Masry Al-Youm was awarded the Best Columnist for his balanced commentary and insightful analysis of current affairs.
Nine winners were honored across the various categories of the Arab Media Award, with the total number of awardees since the Award's establishment reaching 361 individuals and organizations. In the TV category, winners included Lobna Bouza for Best Economic Programme, Reem Bsati for Best Social Programme, Esaad Younes for Best Cultural Programme, Moosa Al Baloushi for Best Sports Programme, and Mohamed Al Youssi for Best Documentary.
Winners in the Arab Journalism category included Mohamed Eissa for Political Journalism, Sameh El Laboudy for Investigative Journalism, and El Sayed Zeidah and Mohamed Salman for Economic Journalism.
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and Chairperson of the Arab Media Award, emphasized that the award serves as a mirror to the media sector's progress and a platform that encourages constructive competition and continuous improvement. The winners represented a group of professionals and institutions that made remarkable contributions to the Arab media landscape.
- The awards ceremony, organized by the Dubai Press Club, celebrated excellence and innovation in news, culture, environment, business, sports, social-media, entertainment, and pop-culture sectors, reflecting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to establish Dubai as a leading hub for Arab media.
- Renowned Egyptian journalist Suleiman Gouda of Al-Masry Al-Youm, known for his balanced commentary and insightful analysis of current affairs, was honored with the Best Columnist award.
- In the TV category, Lobna Bouza won for Best Economic Programme, Reem Bsati for Best Social Programme, Esaad Younes for Best Cultural Programme, Moosa Al Baloushi for Best Sports Programme, and Mohamed Al Youssi for Best Documentary, recognizing their contributions to these segments.
- Notable figures in the Arab media landscape, such as Iraqi journalist Fakhri Karim and Egyptian journalist Sameh El Laboudy, were awarded for their outstanding work in political journalism, investigative journalism, and economic journalism, setting high standards in media practice.
