In implementation of the resolution adopted during the 20th Ordinary Session of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, held in the United Arab Emirates on 9 December 2024, under the agenda item titled "Promoting Professional Media Quality and Excellence and Strengthening the Capacities of Arab Media Professionals," the Media and Communications Sector of the League of Arab States is organising the meeting of the Jury Committee for the Arab Media Excellence Award. The meeting is scheduled to take place on 5–6 May at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.
The meeting will be chaired by the State of Kuwait, the official sponsor of the award, and will see the participation of representatives from the Member States of the committee, namely: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Lebanese Republic, and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
On this occasion, His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communications Sector, affirmed that this edition is being held under the theme "Arab Youth and New Media" in response to the rapid developments within the media landscape, particularly the rise of digital platforms and their profound impact on societal sectors—especially the youth, who represent the most engaged and influenced demographic in the digital and social media realm.
Ambassador Khattabi stated that the Arab Media Excellence Award, launched in 2015 pursuant to Resolution 409 of the Council of Arab Information Ministers at its 46th session, seeks to recognise and honour outstanding media contributions in the Arab world. The award is designed to spotlight media excellence and creativity that address issues of relevance to the Arab nation. It includes four primary categories: television, radio, press, and digital media.
He further noted that the award has undergone significant qualitative enhancements in recent years, with broadened scope and diversified content, thereby reinforcing its role as an incentive for professional excellence across the media spectrum. To date, the General Secretariat has received over 140 nominations across the various award categories.
During the session, committee members will assess submissions presented by member states, as well as organisations and unions with observer status at the Council of Arab Information Ministers. Entries will be evaluated based on their alignment with the criteria and standards set forth in the award's bylaws, which outline the conditions and mechanisms for participation. The evaluation process will adhere to the principles of transparency, impartiality, and integrity, while respecting the national and sovereign contexts of the member states.
