Sheikh Mohammed launches Arab Social Media Award

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today launched the Arab Social Media Award. The award will highlight the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world and promote the best practices on social platforms and technologies at a ceremony that is to be held annually in Dubai.

Included are 20 categories covering social media activities and initiatives by individuals and organisations, as well as the title of ‘Social Media Personality of the Year’ for the region’s most influential online figure. Based on three main standards – communication, creativity and impact – the Arab Social Media Award will recognise communication within communities, tangible benefits for social development and the contribution of positivity to progress and prosperity.

The categories for the Arab Social Media Award are as follows: Government Entities, Private Sector, Blogs, Media, Sports, Tolerance, Social Service, Education, Youth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Politics, Health, Arts, Security and Safety, Shopping, Environment, Tourism and Entertainment.

A committee of experts and sector specialists will evaluate applications and select the winner for each category, and individuals and organisations wishing to participate can nominate themselves or others on the award’s official website – www.arabsocialmediaaward.ae/arts. Results will be announced by the end of 2014.