DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Arab Social Media Awards on Sunday.
The competition, which seeks to “harness the positive potential of social media for the good of the Arab world”, has 20 categories covering social media activities and initiatives by individuals and organisations, the state news agency, Wam, reported.
The awards will be judged on three main criteria: communication, creativity and impact. They recognise communication within communities, tangible benefits for social development, and the contribution of positivity to progress and prosperity. A “Social Media Personality of the Year” title will be awarded to the region’s most influential online figure.
“Social-media influencers are important change-makers in society,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “Those who bring wisdom, creativity and positivity are a powerful force for good, because social media are powerful tools for development and progress.
“The Arab world has not yet made the most of the enormously positive potential of social media. This prize will highlight successful examples and use them as a basis to maximise the benefits for society.”
The awards will highlight the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world and promote best practices for social platforms and technologies at an annual ceremony in Dubai.
“We want this prize to add real value to existing efforts to develop all channels and sectors of the Arab media,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “By honouring online influencers, we stress the great value that an innovative and effective social media presence can bring.”
A committee of experts and sector specialists will evaluate applications and select the winner for each category.
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