Microsoft announces winners of Pan Arab IPR Media Awards 2007

H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, the Undersecretary - Planning Sector, Ministry of Economy, who was speaking at the event on behalf of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Economy, presented the winners with the awards, which were given in two categories.

The winners of the first category were Naushad Cherrayil, UAE; Fadi Ozone, UAE; Andrew Seymour, UAE; Osama Habib, Lebanon; and Sahar Zahran, Egypt. The winners of the second category were Mohammad Jabar, Saudi Arabia; Mohammad Abdul Rashid, UAE; Bashar Abu Lail, Qatar; Mohammad Hawamdeh, Jordan; and Nagi Gergawi, Egypt.

'Intellectual property is an important facet in the development of the Middle East, as it leads to industry development, especially in the IT sector; contributes to the economic prosperity of the community in general; and also facilitates our transition to knowledge-based economies. Media in the Arab World play a crucial role in informing the public about the value of nurturing and safeguarding the creative, intellectual and artistic skills of our citizens, so that they receive the recognition they deserve,' H.E. Alshihhi said.

The Pan Arab IPR Media Awards was constituted to recognise the role played by the media in combating piracy and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights. The award also recognises media's efforts in shaping the perception of people about piracy and stimulating them to think and act in ways that will eventually contribute to curbing piracy and IPR violation.

Jawad Al Redha, IPR Manager, Microsoft Gulf, said,

'As countries in the Arab World gear up for the creation of robust digital economies, governments together with the private and public sector are working closely to create a business environment that is free of pirated products. However, we believe that the various anti-piracy initiatives undertaken across the region would not have been successful without the support and genuine efforts of the media. On behalf of Microsoft I congratulate all the winners of this year's award and I thank them for their continued support.'

Nimer Al Attal, Managing Director, DTK Computer Middle East, who are the sponsors of this year's IPR Media Awards along with HTC, Panasonic, Epson and Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications, said, 'The media play a pivotal role in curbing piracy and safeguarding IPR by creating and spreading much-needed awareness about the issue, and we are glad to extend our support to an award that recognises their efforts.'

Epson's General Manager, Khalil El Dalu highlighted the importance of safeguarding intellectual property rights to protect the software industry in the region. 'The yearly loss suffered by the software industry in the Middle East due to piracy is alarming, and it is encouraging to know that the various anti-piracy initiatives are bearing fruit.'

Kevin Chen, General Manager of HTC Middle East and Africa and CIS, said, 'We are certain that awards such as these will go a long way in inspiring more journalists to actively contribute to IPR protection through their work.'

Commenting on their support to the Awards, Mr. Sajjad Faleel, Manager, Corporate Communications Dept., Panasonic Marketing Middle East, said, 'We are glad to be involved in an event that recognises the contribution of the regional media fraternity in tackling piracy. The media's role is crucial in creating awareness about various aspects of piracy and to increase participation from the end-user in combating this menace.'

Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director of Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications, said, 'As a leading communications consultancy, Orient Planet has been a staunch supporter of various IPR protection initiatives in the region for several years, especially since we firmly believe that safeguarding intellectual property rights can greatly stimulate innovation and creativity.'