41 entries shortlisted for Ibda'a Media Student Awards 2007

The finalists represent the finest media student talent in the UAE, Iran, Egypt, India, Pakistan the Philippines, the UK and Lebanon.

Selected by an elite panel of 20 judges from the International Advertising Association (IAA), the shortlisted works can be viewed online at www.ibdaa-awards.ae. The entries will also be displayed at an exhibition that will be held from 25 -29 December at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

The final round of judging by eminent media experts from the IAA will determine one winner in each category, who will be honoured at the gala awards ceremony on 27 December at the Dubai Media City amphitheatre.

The 6th edition of the Ibda'a Awards witnessed a marked increase in the number of entries from Pakistan and the UK. The competition, which was open globally to all undergraduate and graduate students of the academic year 2006-2007, also attracted entries, for the first time, from the Philippines.

Mohamed Al Mulla, Director, Dubai Media City and Coordinator General of the Ibda'a Awards, said: "The tremendous regional response to the Ibda'a Awards indicates a huge surge of interest in media related fields and a wider appeal of the categories. In addition, the heightened awareness about the Awards among overseas media students has helped raise the competition's global profile, complementing its overall stature.

"Ibda'a Awards celebrates creativity and excellence among the young talent that will help sharpen the media's role as a vital channel of communication. The Awards act as a springboard for emerging media aspirants to showcase their projects, while encouraging and facilitating their entry into the international media arena."

The IAA judging committee applauded the entries for their depth of creativity, and maturity of ideas as well as content.

Commenting on the works, a jury panelist said: "We had an excellent range of high-quality entries and the judges had a difficult job selecting finalists in each category. The jury looked for creativity that reflected a heightened sense of individuality. The Ibda'a Awards have raised the bar on media related work, and created a distinctive venue that prioritises excellence in creative works."

Award finalists will be flown to Dubai for a gala celebration to receive exciting prizes, as well as internship opportunities with leading media organisations including Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Xische, Team Y&R, Motivate Publishing, Nikon, Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, CNBC Arabia, CNN and MBC. Additionally the best UAE entry will be also awarded this year.

The Ibda'a Awards is organised on an annual basis by Dubai Media City in association with the International Advertising Association. It covers 10 categories, including journalism, radio, animation, graphic design, analogue photography, digital photography, print advertising, TV advertising, TV documentary and film/TV feature.

Dubai-based Ziad Galadari Group is the title sponsor of the event this year, while Emirates Bank, Arabian Automobiles, OMD and Carassi are the co-sponsors. Media partners include Motivate Publishing, Zee Arabia, Showtime, Xische, 7 Star Events, Arabian Radio Network, Al Emarat Al Youm and Emirates Today, CNBC Arabia and DMI.