logo
Mansoor bin Mohammed, Latifa bint Mohammed honour winners of 5th edition of Arab Social Media Influencers Award

Mansoor bin Mohammed, Latifa bint Mohammed honour winners of 5th edition of Arab Social Media Influencers Award

Emirates 24/728-05-2025
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, honoured the winners of the 5th edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Award.
The awards ceremony was held as part of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit on the third day of the Arab Media Summit 2025, which concludes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
During the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor honoured Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, who was named 'Influential Personality of the Year' in recognition of his prominent role in supporting balanced media discourse and his efforts to enhance the UAE's and the Arab world's standing on the international stage.
The awards ceremony, held as part of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, also announced the names of winners and content creators who stood out as beacons of positive influence across Arab communities.
The winners were announced following an elaborate and meticulous judging process to evaluate their work and its positive impact on society, besides the innovation they showcased across various social media platforms.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of media professionals, influencers, representatives of digital platforms, and decision-makers in the field of new media.
The award for the Best Children's Platform went to the Ta'allam Ma' Zakaria (Learn with Zakaria) platform, which was recognised for its excellence in providing Arabic-language educational content in an engaging yet entertaining format for little ones.
Mohammed Al Nofli, from the Sultanate of Oman, was honoured in the Sports category for his inspirational athletic journey and engaging content that motivated more young people to adopt an active lifestyle. The Blinx platform was adjudged the Best News Platform for its innovative news content tailored to the tastes and aptitudes of the younger generation.
Ahmed Al-Zamel from Kuwait won the award in the Entrepreneurship category in recognition of his digital initiatives to boost youth empowerment within the innovation and investment domains.
Ahmed Al Marzouqi from the UAE received the award in the Economics category for his content that explains financial and economic concepts in an easy and engaging way.
Omar Farouq from Bahrain was honoured in the Tourism category in appreciation of his inspiring content that highlights diverse cultures and showcases the human side of travel in an interactive and distinctive manner. H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, alongside Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of Dubai Press Club, honoured Bibi Al-Khudhari from Kuwait in the Community category in recognition of her efforts to promote a culture of humanitarian solidarity and raise social awareness about such causes.
Dr. Talal Al-Muhaisin from Kuwait received the award in the Health category and Anas Bukhash from the UAE was presented the award in the Podcast category in recognition of his talk show, which features influential figures and tackles topics that reflect the reality and aspirations of Arab youth.
The Shahid platform from Saudi Arabia won the award in the Arts and Entertainment category for its wide-ranging digital content that serves to showcase the immense scope of Arab visual media production. Ahmed Al Nasheet from Bahrain received the award in the Culture category. Al-Nasheet was recognised for his impactful efforts to spread cultural awareness and promote meaningful content on social media. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor joined the winners and honourees across various categories for a commemorative group photo.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri congratulated all the winners of the 5th edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Award and praised their creative efforts across their respective spheres of digital influence. She stated: 'In a rapidly changing world where the power of digital influence continues to grow, the Arab Social Media Influencers Award embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to harness digital media as a developmental tool that reinforces human values, promotes positivity, and drives social responsibility in the digital space by empowering inspiring voices and enabling the constructive role of digital content in Arab societies.'
'At Dubai Press Club, under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have worked to ensure that the award serves as a platform to honour true changemakers – those who have set exceptional examples of influence, innovation, and social responsibility through social media platforms.
'The fifth edition of the award comes at a time when there is a growing need for responsible content that addresses the challenges of our time, upholds positive values, and contributes to fostering a culture of dialogue and development. The recognition we have seen today for a group of creative influencers confirms that the Arab world is rich with talents capable of turning social media into tools for development and positive change.' The award, one of the Dubai Press Club's manifold initiatives to boost community engagement, seeks to strengthen the societal impact of digital content, encourage Arab youth to channel constructive ideas, and engineer exemplary models of socially responsible and creative social media outreach. In its 5th edition, the award introduced new categories in line with the evolving digital media landscape. The award features several new categories this year, with the Economy, Podcast, Best News Platform, and Best Children's Platform categories adding to the Influential Personality of the Year, Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Health, Sports, Culture, Tourism, and Arts and Entertainment categories.
The fifth edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Award comes along at a time of rapid advancements in digital technology, artificial intelligence applications, data analytics tools, and content creation. The award continues to encourage influencers to enhance their skills and steer away from superficial, controversial, or bogus content – focusing instead on ideas that serve communities and offer real, positive impact across diverse fields.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE telecoms authority begins public consultation for satellite reseller regulations
UAE telecoms authority begins public consultation for satellite reseller regulations

The National

timean hour ago

  • The National

UAE telecoms authority begins public consultation for satellite reseller regulations

In what could be a watershed moment for satellite service re-sellers in the UAE, the country's telecoms regulator has announced that it was taking public input as it creates a licence framework. On its website, the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority emphasised it wanted feedback for regulations to "regularise the current resale of satellite services". Once the TDRA finalises specifics for what it describes as a "category B" licence, the door would be opened for many businesses and entities to sell connectivity devices and services – paving the way for resellers of low-earth-orbit satellite internet communications devices such as Starlink. Under current regulations, only certain UAE entities with the current telecoms licence are permitted to provide these services. During the public consultation, the TDRA is seeking to "take relevant input provided by the stakeholders into consideration when drafting its regulation", according to the consultation form on the authority's website. According to SpaceX, operator of Starlink, the service is "pending regulatory approval" in the UAE. A document posted this year to the TDRA's website showed that Starlink was granted a regulatory licence in 2024 that will last about 10 years for 'maritime satellite internet services'. In the Middle East, Starlink is available in Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel. Jimmy Grewal, executive director Dubai-based marine electronics company Elcome International, said he was excited about the the opportunities presented during the public comment period. "The TDRA's open consultation is a welcome step that brings clarity to a fast-moving market and will accelerate the safe rollout of next-generation satellite connectivity across the UAE," he said. Mr Grewal said a detailed framework for resellers like Elcome will strengthen options, resilience and productivity for government, maritime, aviation and offshore energy sector workers seeking internet and communications connectivity. He said he was also prepared for the possibility of the regulations opening the door for Starlink access in the UAE. "As one of the first and largest Starlink resellers in the world, Elcome is keen to bring the benefits of Starlink to our home market once the new regulatory framework is in place," Mr Grewal said. According to the TDRA's feedback form posted on its website, relevant entities are being asked about ideal licence durations, satellite reseller fees and overall reactions to draft legislation. The regulatory body is accepting public consultation until September 25.

Salik declares 100% payout as H1 earnings hit $210m following new gates and variable pricing
Salik declares 100% payout as H1 earnings hit $210m following new gates and variable pricing

Arabian Business

time2 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

Salik declares 100% payout as H1 earnings hit $210m following new gates and variable pricing

Dubai toll gate operator Salik has reported a sharp increase in first-half earnings for 2025, driven by new toll gates, the introduction of variable pricing, and resilient traffic volumes. Total revenue for the first six months of 2025 rose 39.5 per cent year-on-year to AED1.53bn ($415.8m), with Q2 revenue up 45.6 per cent to AED775.7m ($210.9m). EBITDA climbed 44.2 per cent in H1 to AED1.07bn ($290m), maintaining a healthy margin of 69.7 per cent. Salik results Net profit for H1 jumped 41.5 per cent to AED770.9m ($210.1m), prompting the board to recommend a cash dividend equal to 100 per cent of first-half profit — 10.278 fils per share. Salik's core tolling business handled 424.2m total trips in H1 2025, up 39.6 per cent from a year earlier, with 213.4m trips recorded in Q2 alone. Total chargeable trips rose to 160.4m in Q2, up 1.6 per cent from Q1, bolstered by a 46.7 per cent surge in peak-period trips following the November 2024 addition of two new gates. Toll usage fees for H1 rose 42.3 per cent to AED1.36bn ($370.2m), with Q2 toll fees up 49.4 per cent year-on-year to AED691.3m ($187.9m) — the first full quarter under the new variable pricing model introduced at the end of January 2025. Revenue from fines increased 15.7 per cent in H1 to AED134.3m ($36.6m), while tag activation fees rose 16.2 per cent to AED22.9m ($6.2m). Non-toll income reached AED8.7m ($2.37m) in H1, supported by partnerships with Emaar Malls and Parkonic for parking payment solutions, now active in 73 locations. Salik also continues to expand its cooperation with Liva Group to streamline vehicle insurance renewals. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salik, said:'Salik's strong performance in the first half of 2025 underscores the strength of its resilient business model and high operational efficiency. 'During this period, the Company achieved a 39.5 per cent year-on-year increase in total revenue, further solidifying its robust financial position. 'This performance reaffirms our continued commitment to delivering long-term value for shareholders while supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility. 'In view of the strong first half results and our dedication to our shareholders, the Board of Directors have recommended a cash dividend of AED 770.9 million, equivalent to 10.278 fils per share, representing 100 per cent of H1 2025 profit. 'We continue to benefit from the Emirate's economic momentum, bolstered by sustained growth in tourism, real estate, and infrastructure spending. Building on this, and with continued progress across both our core tolling operations and ongoing success in expanding our ancillary revenue streams, we are pleased to be upgrading our full year 2025 guidance, with revenue expected to increase 34-36 percent compared to 2024, up from 28-29 per cent previously, and with EBITDA margins expectations in the range of 68.5-69.5 per cent. 'Our new guidance underscores our confidence in Salik's outlook and future growth potential, particularly given our commitment to strengthening our non-core offering and exploring new opportunities within ancillary revenues.' Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, said: 'We are pleased to report another solid quarter of performance, with a strong c.40% YoY growth across all key financial metrics including revenue, EBITDA and net profit growth. 'Our results reflect the ongoing strength of our tolling business and the growing contribution of our non-tolling initiatives, including our digital partnerships in providing mobility payment solutions which continue to gain traction among users.'

UAE airlines add 15 new destinations as passenger numbers hit 75.4m
UAE airlines add 15 new destinations as passenger numbers hit 75.4m

Arabian Business

time2 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

UAE airlines add 15 new destinations as passenger numbers hit 75.4m

UAE airlines have expanded their global footprint with 15 new destinations in the first half of 2025, helping drive passenger numbers at the nation's airports to 75.4 million. The growth cements the country's position as one of the world's leading aviation hubs, with both passenger traffic and air cargo volumes climbing. The UAE's civil aviation sector continued its strong growth trajectory in the first half of 2025, according to the latest performance indicators from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). UAE airports and airlines Airports across the country handled 75.4m passengers between January and June, up 5 per cent from 71.7m in the same period of 2024. January was the busiest month, with more than 13.7m travellers passing through UAE terminals. UAE national airlines strengthened the country's status as a leading global aviation hub, adding 15 new destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East during the first half of the year. New routes included cities in: Russia Czech Republic Poland Armenia Kazakhstan Vietnam Cambodia Turkey Iran Egypt Croatia Ethiopia Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said: 'Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to enhance its global and regional standing as an international aviation hub, posting unprecedented growth rates driven by innovative national initiatives and strategies. 'This has significantly strengthened the country's competitiveness and leadership in this vital sector, which today represents a key pillar for driving economic growth, diversifying income sources, and supporting trade, tourism, investment, and job creation across all aviation-linked sectors. 'The performance indicators for the first half of 2025 reflect the resilience and sustainability of the aviation sector, as well as the competitiveness of the UAE's airports, national carriers, and air navigation services. 'We see aviation as a bridge connecting the UAE to the world and a key enabler for achieving our long-term economic objectives. 'We will continue working to expand the country's air connectivity with global markets, supported by a flexible and advanced regulatory framework, ambitious open skies policies, and ongoing infrastructure development plans.' Air traffic movements totalled 531,000 in H1 2025, up 6.2 per cent from nearly 500,000 in the same period last year. Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, and Bahrain were the busiest destinations for weekly flights to and from the UAE. The country's airports handled more than 2.2m tonnes of air cargo, an increase of 4.74 per cent year-on-year, with national carriers responsible for 67 per cent of the total freight volume. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, said: 'Thanks to the guidance and unwavering support of our wise leadership, the aviation sector is advancing steadily towards greater growth and prosperity. 'These positive indicators highlight the strength of our aviation infrastructure and the effectiveness of integrated efforts by all our partners — including airports, airlines, and air navigation service providers. 'We are proud to continue achieving stable growth rates in both passenger and cargo traffic, supported by ambitious development projects to keep pace with this expansion. 'The total passenger handling capacity of the country's airports now exceeds 160 million, and we are confident that the aviation sector will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the national economy, boosting tourism and trade, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading air transport hub regionally and globally.' UAE aviation performance – H1 2025 Indicator H1 2025 H1 2024 Per cent change Passenger traffic 75.4m 71.7m +5% Busiest month January – 13.7m passengers – – Air traffic movements 531,000 ~500,000 +6.2% New destinations added 15 – – Air cargo volume 2.2m tonnes 2.1m tonnes +4.74% Cargo share by national carriers 67% – – Top destinations (weekly flights) Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Mumbai, Bahrain – – Total airport passenger handling capacity 160m – –

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store