HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed honours winners of Ibda'a Awards 2007 at gala ceremony

His Excellency Ahmad Bin Byat, Executive Chairman of TECOM Investments, Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Executive Director of Media, TECOM Investments, Hussein Lootah, CEO Dubai Media Inc., and Joseph Ghoussoub, Chairman and World President of International Advertising Association, as well as representatives of leading media organisations, academic institutions and senior government officials attended the gala ceremony that gave away awards in 10 categories, recognising outstanding media talent. The winners were selected by an elite panel of 20 judges from the International Advertising Association (IAA).

Following are the winning students in the respective categories:
1. Journalism: Ayman Hani El Sherbiny from Cairo University - Egypt
2. Radio: Claire Burgess from Birmingham City University - UK
3. Animation: Santosh Nayak from Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art - India
4. Graphic Design: Sagar Pitale from L.S. Raheja School of Art - India
5. Analogue Photography: Mojtba Bahodri from Art University Of Tehran - Iran
6. Digital Photography: Varun Dahisaria from Rachana Sansad College of Applied Arts - India
7. Print Advertising: Derryk Mascarenhas from Rizvi College of Arts - India
8. TV Advertising: Fatima Saleh from Sharjah Women's College - UAE
9. Film/ TV feature: Reza Hemasi from Sooreh University - Iran
10. TV Documentary: Muhammad Ali Ijaz from National College Arts - Pakistan
11. Best UAE Entry: Najla Al Bassam from American University of Sharjah

Ibda'a Awards 2007 evoked a phenomenal participation, receiving more than 2,200 entries from the UAE, Iran, Egypt, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the UK and Lebanon. It also saw a marked increase in the number of entries from Pakistan and the UK while the Philippines participated in the competition for the first time.

Mohamed Al Mulla, Director, Dubai Media City, and Coordinator General of the Ibda'a Awards, said: "The awards mark the pinnacle of achievement for the talented youngsters and their remarkable creative skills. This recognition will lead to promising careers with top tier media organisations, not just for the winners but for all the shortlisted participants as well.

"The sixth edition of Ibda'a Awards also registers the increasing appeal of our initiative among international media students. We are delighted the awards are considered a serious and credible platform for nurturing talent in the media industry. The awards also reflect the commitment of regional media giants to develop indigenous talent."

Apart from receiving attractive cash prizes, the winners were granted coveted internship opportunities with leading media organisations such as Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Xische, Team Y&R, Motivate Publishing, Nikon, Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, CNBC Arabia, CNN and MBC.

Shortlisted works are showcased in a week-long exhibition that will run until 29 December at the Dubai Media City amphitheatre. Ibda'a Awards 2007 was also complemented by a Career Day that was held alongside on 26 December.

Najla Al Bassam, recipient of this year's Best UAE Entry award, said: "It is indeed an honour to be acknowledged at the Ibda'a Media Student Awards. The initiative by Dubai Media City allowed me to showcase my skills to a larger and more informed audience. Such motivation will inspire more students to carve a career in the media industry."

Sponsors of the Ibda'a Awards were acknowledged at the ceremony for their support. Dubai-based Ziad Galadari Group was the title sponsor of the event this year, while Emirates Bank, Arabian Automobiles, OMD and Carassi participated as co-sponsors. Media partners included Motivate Publishing, Zee Arabia, Showtime, Xische, 7 Star Events, Arabian Radio Network, Al Emarat Al Youm and Emirates Today, CNBC Arabia and DMI.

Sami Raffoul, President of the UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), was honoured at the ceremony for helping co-ordinate the judging process of the awards.