Dubai Media City announces the fifth Ibda'a Media Student Awards

Starting from today, Dubai Media City is inviting entries from media students in ten award categories: Animation, TV Documentary, Film Feature, Print Advertising, TV Advertising, Graphic Design, Analogue Photography, Digital Photography, Journalism (Non News), and Radio. This year, the rules have been eased to allow a student to submit more than one entry in each category.

The highlight of this year's Ibda'a is a special award for an outstanding entry from a student in a UAE University.

"Ibda'a, this year, promises to unearth even more exceptional talent from around the world. This year's campaign will reach out to a wide cross section of universities in key markets. The campaign has been planned on a huge scale to attract extensive participation," said Mohamed Al Mulla, Director of Dubai Media City and coordinator general of Ibda'a Media Student Awards.

The Ibda'a Media Student Awards were launched by Dubai Media City in June 2001 under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Since then, each year, the Awards have attracted a multitude of entries from the region and across the world and identified some gems of student media talent.

Ibda'a's international campaign will see it conducting road-shows in 21 countries - United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, UAE and the GCC countries, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

Dubai Media City will continue its strong association with the International Advertising Association (IAA) - UAE Chapter in organizing the Awards. "Over the past few years, Ibda'a has developed into a wonderful showcase for young talent from around the world," said Tanvir Kanji, President of the International Advertising Agency (IAA), UAE Chapter.

Ibda'a this year has received tremendous support from the corporate world. Companies sponsoring the Awards include ARN, BBC, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Press Club, Emirates Bank, Motivate Publishing, Radisson SAS Hotel (DMC), Showtime, Seven Star Events & Productions and Virgin.

The deadline for all entries to this year's Ibda'a Awards is March 15, 2006. As in previous years, this year's edition will also have three judging rounds. Following the deadline, a preliminary screening will eliminate entries that do not meet entry requirements.

The second round of judging on 17 March 2006 will shortlist a minimum of three and maximum of five finalists in each category.

A final round of judging, to be held on 15 April 2006, will select one winner from each category. An exhibition of the finalists' work will be held from 23 to 25 April 2006. The winners will be announced and honoured at a high profile Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the night of 25 April 2006. Apart from elegant trophies, winners will receive prizes that include internships with leading global media brands.

Judges presiding over the contest include key regional media personalities and representatives from internationally prominent media companies.