BSA and APTL announce results of first-ever Pan Arab Web Awards

The Lebanese Canadian Bank participated in this competition as a sponsor for the event. During this conference NEBRAS Award was announced which is first in kind in the Arab World.

Announcing the results at a press conference, Jawad Al Redha, Co-Chairman, BSA Middle East, said: "We are delighted to announce that the Pan Arab Web Awards attracted wide interest among web designers and domain owners from all over the region. The competition also served to demonstrate that there is no shortage of talent and creativity among Arab web designers. The awards highlighted the fact that several companies are giving increased importance to their websites and portals, always willing to investment in upgrading standards."

Al Redha said the launch of Pan Arab Web Awards came at an appropriate time, because Internet penetration in the Arab world was increasing rapidly, and nations and societies were realising the power of the Web in increasing productivity, competitiveness and easy access to information.

"In order to be effective, it is very crucial that web offerings are designed creatively, and the content presented in a user-friendly manner. At the same time, web designers need to make use of advanced tools to make the websites more visually appealing. The combination of these elements leads to a great website," Al Redha said.

"By supporting the Arab Web Award, Business Software Alliance wants to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and legal digital world. The best web developers are those who keep intellectual property rules in mind when doing their work. The ultimate test of a creative mind is the ability to be original. On other hand, this means that they will respect the copyright laws and refrain from copying someone else's designs," Al Redha added.

"A website or portal has become the most critical marketing tool today," said Pierre Moukarzel, President, Assembly of Professionals and Technicians in Lebanon (APTL), "It is a tool that provides the first powerful impression of a company or individual. In such a scenario, the role of a website has become very critical. The more professional a website, the better are the chances of promoting a company. We are proud to launch this initiative which will significantly raise the overall standards of web designing in the region, by highlighting the work of some brilliant and talented individuals and organisations. "

The competition was organised jointly by Dubai Internet City (DIC) and Assembly of Professionals and Technicians in Lebanon (APTL), and Business Software Alliance (BSA).

There were 17 categories in the competition reflecting various sectors and disciplines, including Art and Design, Banks and Financial Institutes, Corporate and E-Commerce, Cultural and Education, Directories and Information Services, Fashion, Government, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), International Organizations, Health and Insurance, Information Technology (IT), Industry, Media, Personal, Travel and Tourism, Entertainment, and Transportation. The entries were judged by an independent jury comprising of industry leaders, technologists and other leading personalities.

The winners will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and the Web Awards logo will be placed on the winning entries. The competition was open to all the web design companies, freelancers and web developers and web owners from the region.

Business Software Alliance (BSA) is the foremost organisation dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. The Assembly of Professionals and Technicians in Lebanon (APTL) was established in 2000 and was founded officially on the 25th of January 2001 as a non-governmental and non-profit organization, volunteer based association in Beirut to respond to the needs of professionals and technicians in Lebanon. Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the Middle East regions biggest IT infrastructure, built inside a free trade zone, supporting a dynamic international community of ICT companies and over 5,500 knowledge experts.