DUBAI, 28th May 2025 — Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the strategic directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 5th edition of the prestigious Arab Social Media Influencers Award honoured a host of pioneering digital creators during an influential ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event was spearheaded by 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.
One of the most significant recognitions of the evening went to Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, who was named ‘Influential Personality of the Year’ for his efforts in strengthening balanced media discourse and elevating the UAE’s and the Arab world’s presence globally.
The award ceremony was part of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit, integrated into the broader Arab Media Summit 2025, and witnessed attendance from a wide spectrum of media professionals, digital influencers, tech platform representatives, and key policymakers in new media industries.
Winners were selected following a rigorous evaluation process that considered their creative use of digital platforms and their measurable impact on society. The event celebrated figures who exemplify the transformative power of social media as a positive force for development, education, and social responsibility.
Among the key winners this year:
- The award for Best Children’s Platform went to the Ta‘allam Ma’ Zakaria (Learn with Zakaria) platform, lauded for delivering Arabic educational content in an entertaining manner tailored for young audiences.
- Mohammed Al Nofli from Oman was recognised in the Sports category for his inspirational fitness journey and content promoting healthy lifestyles among Arab youth.
- The Blinx platform clinched the Best News Platform award for its innovative and youth-centric approach to delivering real-time news.
- Ahmed Al-Zamel from Kuwait received accolades in the Entrepreneurship category, noted for his digital ventures that focus on empowering Arab youth in innovation and investment.
- The Economics award was presented to Ahmed Al Marzouqi from the UAE for simplifying complex financial topics in a relatable, content-rich style.
- Omar Farouq from Bahrain garnered the award in the Tourism category, praised for highlighting cultural diversity and offering immersive travel narratives.
- In the Community category, Bibi Al-Khudhari from Kuwait was honoured for promoting humanitarian solidarity and social awareness across Arab societies.
- Dr. Talal Al-Muhaisin, also from Kuwait, was awarded in the Health category, while Anas Bukhash from the UAE was celebrated in the Podcast category for his acclaimed talk show amplifying youth perspectives.
- The Shahid platform from Saudi Arabia took home the award in the Arts and Entertainment category, recognised for its expansive digital programming that elevates Arab media content.
- Meanwhile, Ahmed Al Nasheet from Bahrain earned the Culture category award for his prolific contributions to spreading cultural awareness through social channels.
At the close of the ceremony, Sheikh Mansoor joined all laureates for a commemorative group photo celebrating the night’s achievements.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, and President of the Dubai Press Club, commented:
“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.”
She continued:
“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.”
This year’s edition introduced several new categories, including Economy, Podcast, Best News Platform, and Best Children’s Platform, alongside existing classifications such as Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Health, Sports, Culture, Tourism, and Arts and Entertainment. These reflect the dynamically evolving digital landscape and aim to inspire influencers to eschew sensationalism in favour of purposeful, impactful, and ethical content.
Now firmly established as a flagship initiative of the Dubai Press Club, the Arab Social Media Influencers Award continues to champion constructive digital storytelling, nurturing talents that leverage social media to build dialogue, inspire youth, and promote values of development and progress in Arab societies.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
