Eminent media personalities and well-known journalists from across the Arab region were honoured with the Arab Media Awards for their significant contributions to the media profession at the Arab Media Summit 2026 held in Dubai.
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, honoured the winners on the opening day of the Arab Media Summit 2026, marking the Award’s Silver Jubilee.
Organised by the Dubai Press Club, the ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.
The ceremony, attended by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Chairperson of the Arab Media Summit Organising Committee, brought together senior dignitaries, ministers and media leaders from the UAE, and the Arab world.
Prominent figures from across the Arab media landscape, including heads of media organisations, editors-in-chief, writers, thinkers, academics, content creators and influencers, were also present.
The 2026 Winners
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa, accompanied by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, honoured Walid Abdul Latif Al-Nusif, Editor-in-Chief, Al-Qabas, Kuwait, with the Media Personality of the Year Award for his decades-long contribution to journalism and commitment to professionalism.
Iraqi journalist and novelist Inaam Kachachi was honoured with the Best Columnist Award, recognising her distinguished career and ability to combine journalistic rigour, human insight and a compelling literary style.
In the Visual Media category, CNBC Arabia’s ‘Taht Al Daw’ (Under the Spotlight) won the Best Economic Programme Award, which was received by presenters Rula Al Tarawneh and Al Tayeb Abdulmajid.
The Best Social Programme Award went to “Al Soura” (The Image) on Egypt’s Al Nahar TV, and was received by the programme’s presenter, Lamis Elhadidy. “Hadith Al Arab” (Arab Conversations), broadcast on Sky News Arabia, won the Best Cultural Programme Award, and was received by its presenter Dr. Sulaiman Al Hattlan.
The Best Sports Programme Award went to “Mal‘abna” (Our Stadium), broadcast on Al Mashhad, and was received by its presenter, Lotfi Al Zaabi. The Best Documentary Award went to “Maps of Thirst”, a documentary produced by Sky News Arabia, and was received by Fal AlMomen.
His Excellency Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, and His Excellency Diaa Rashwan, Minister of State for Information of Egypt, and former Chairman of the Arab Media Award Board, honoured the winners of the Arab Journalism Award categories. They presented the Political Journalism Award to Dr.Ayman Samir of UAE newspaper Al Khaleej for his article, “Could World War III Break Out?”
The Arab Journalism Award for Economic Journalism went to Malek El Kaakour of Asharq Al Awsat for his article, “The AI Tsunami Sweeping Millions into Unemployment”.
The Investigative Reporting Award went to Adnan Al Gharbi of UAE newspaper Al Bayan for his investigation, “Stimulants and Hormones in Sports Supplements: A Silent Threat to Youth”.
The ceremony featured a selection of poems by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, performed by acclaimed artists Ahlam, Lotfi Bouchnak and Latifa.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated the Arab Media Award winners, praising their achievements and commitment to professional and responsible journalism. He said the recognition also brings a greater responsibility to help build an Arab media landscape that reflects the region’s aspirations and makes a meaningful impact.
“The Arab Media Award has established its role in advancing professional and creative standards, and has been an integral part of Dubai’s journey as a regional and global media hub. The Award will continue to inspire higher standards of professional competition and contribute to building a more innovative, impactful Arab media sector that is ready for the future,” His Highness said.
Pride in a 25-year legacy
On the occasion of the Award’s Silver Jubilee, Sheikh Ahmed reflected on its 25-year journey since its launch as the Arab Journalism Award under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He highlighted its evolution into a leading platform for recognising excellence in Arab media and its contribution to Dubai’s growth as a global media hub, bringing together the talent, expertise and ideas shaping the industry’s future.
Sheikh Ahmed also stressed that keeping pace with rapid media changes requires forward thinking, continuous investment in skills and effective use of technologies such as AI, while preserving the profession’s core values and responsibilities. He added that the Arab Media Award will continue to inspire excellence and support a more innovative and future-ready Arab media landscape.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri highlighted the Award’s standing and the trust it has earned across the Arab media community. She noted its role in encouraging creativity and strengthening Dubai and the UAE’s position as a leading media hub, alongside initiatives such as the Arab Media Summit, the region’s largest media gathering.
Her Excellency also thanked the current and former members of the Arab Media Award Board for their contributions to keeping the Award aligned with the evolving media landscape. The Arab Media Award Board, chaired by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, includes Dr. Maitha Buhumaid, Secretary-General of the Award, Dr. Sultan Al Nuaimi, Ghassan Charbel, Nayla Tueni, Emad El Din Adeeb, Mohammed Al Hammadi, Dr. Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Ahmed Al Moslemani, Ammar Taqi, Sawsan Al Shaer, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Araimi, Raed Barqawi, Faisal Abbas and Hassan El Guennouni.
