The 2026 Arab Media Summit, scheduled for Sept. 15-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will double as a silver jubilee celebration for the Arab Media Award, honoring a quarter-century of elevating journalistic standards across the region. The landmark gathering, held under the patronage of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will spotlight the award’s evolution from a single-category journalism prize into a comprehensive platform recognizing print, visual, and digital media.
The Arab Media Award was launched in November 1999 as the Arab Journalism Award, a direct initiative from Sheikh Mohammed aimed at transforming regional media through professional excellence and innovation. Originally focused solely on print, the award expanded in 2021 to encompass three main sectors—Arab Journalism, Visual Media, and Digital Media—reflecting rapid changes in how news is produced and consumed. Over 25 years, it has attracted more than 82,460 entries from across the Arab world, with 359 winners or honorees receiving a combined AED22.1 million in prizes.
“Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the award was launched 25 years ago as one of Dubai’s most significant initiatives to promote media excellence in the Arab world,” said Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, President of the Dubai Press Club, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Arab Media Award. “We feel extremely proud and honored by what the award has achieved over this period, celebrating magnificent accomplishments and recognizing prominent media and intellectual figures.”
The award’s structure has proven durable. Its Board of Directors, composed of 116 of the region’s most experienced media, academic, and cultural figures over eight terms, has maintained standards of integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Award Board, described the silver jubilee as “a moment to reflect on a journey steeped in the profound values and achievements of media professionals, institutions, and experts from across the Arab world.”
Evolution alongside industry shifts
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Press Club, noted the award’s ability to adapt. “The award has successfully kept pace with the rapid transformations witnessed by the sector—from print journalism to visual media, digital platforms and content creation—while remaining true to its core values and central mission of recognizing creativity and supporting Arab talent.”
The 33 current categories span specialized fields, reflecting the award’s role as a barometer of regional media trends. Organizers emphasize the broader mission: media as a constructive force for societal development. The award’s founding concept positioned journalists as “ambassadors of the Arab world” whose expertise could inspire social responsibility and positive impact.
This year’s summit, the region’s largest media gathering, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities centered on professional, technological, and ethical challenges facing the industry. Attendees can expect sessions addressing artificial intelligence’s role in newsrooms, the sustainability of independent journalism, and strategies for combating misinformation.
Broader significance
The 25-year milestone comes as Arab media confronts unprecedented disruption—from the collapse of traditional advertising models to the rise of algorithm-driven content distribution. The award’s sustained participation numbers suggest resilience: 82,460 entries over two and a half decades, with 359 winners emerging. Organizers frame the anniversary not as an endpoint but as a launchpad for the next phase.
“It is a testament to the evolution of Arab media,” Al Mulla said. The challenge now, as the sector continues to fragment and consolidate simultaneously, will be maintaining relevance while upholding the journalistic integrity that defines the award’s legacy. For attendees, the September summit offers a rare opportunity to benchmark their work against the best in the region—and to chart a course for the next 25 years.