Ibda'a Media Student Awards 2009 inviting online submissions

Undergraduate and fresh graduates of the 2008-2009 academic year are invited to download student packs and submit applications until 8 October through the website www.ibdaa-awards.ae/.

Created by Dubai-based Xische, media partners for the Ibda'a Awards, the website features valuable information on award categories, winning entries from the previous edition, as well as press kits. The Ibda'a website is also embedded with attractive, user-friendly features to make it easier for students to submit their work electronically.

Mohammad Abdullah, Executive Director, Dubai Media City, said:

"The content rich, interactive and user friendly website will help students register online for this year's event. Industry professionals and visitors to the website are also looking at it as a valuable resource for key information on the region's media sector and for identifying high calibre talent."

Abdullah added, "More importantly, the revamped Ibda'a website underscores Dubai Media City's commitment to endorsing environment friendly measures by reducing carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise occur during the shipment of art work and other category submissions."

Complementing its endeavour to directly communicate with media students and disseminate information, the Ibda'a Awards is embracing social media platforms this year by launching Facebook and Twitter pages.

Organized annually by DMC in partnership with the International Advertising Association (IAA), the region's most prestigious awards for emerging media talent will honour outstanding submissions in 12 categories during a gala awards ceremony on 19 November.

Themed 'Let It Out', the competition will recognise best submissions in journalism (non-news), radio feature, animation, graphic design, analogue photography, digital photography, print advertising, TV advertising, film TV feature, film TV documentary and mobile film.

This year's edition of Ibda'a Awards is co-sponsored by Arabian Automobiles, OMD and Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). While du is the communications partner, ARN, Amrita TV, BBC World, Brash FZ LLC, CNBC Arabia, Emarat Al Youm, Motivate Publishing, Showtime, Xische, Zee TV and Zee Aflam will support the event as the media partners.

ARN, CNN, CNBC Arabia, Brash, Leo Burnett, Xische, MBC, Motivate Publishing, Nikon, Team Young & Rubicam, and Zee Aflam will give away attractive awards to the winners.