Dubai Honors Top Arab Social Media Influencers at 2025 Awards

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the city once again showcased its commitment to digital innovation and cultural leadership through the prestigious Arab Social Media Influencers Award.

Directed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, this landmark event honors Arab content creators who use social media as a powerful tool to shape public discourse positively, inspire social responsibility, and foster community engagement.

The 5th edition of the award ceremony, held as part of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit during the broader Arab Media Summit 2025, highlighted the region’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and its potential to contribute to societal growth.

Celebrating Excellence in Arab Digital Media

The awards ceremony was graced by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Together, they celebrated the winners who stood out as beacons of positive influence across diverse social media platforms. This prestigious event marked another significant step in recognizing digital pioneers who have demonstrated creativity, authenticity, and social responsibility in their online presence.

The 5th Arab Social Media Influencers Award is not merely a celebration but a platform designed to elevate voices that champion balanced narratives, cultural pride, and development-oriented content. The judging process involved meticulous evaluation of participants’ contributions, assessing the societal impact and innovation reflected in their digital works. By emphasizing positive influence, the award highlights the role of social media influencers in steering youth and communities toward constructive engagement and dialogue.

Honoring Distinguished Figures and Categories

Among the distinguished honorees was Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, who received the ‘Influential Personality of the Year’ award. His recognition stems from his pivotal role in supporting balanced media discourse and enhancing the UAE’s and Arab world’s international reputation. Dr. Gargash’s influence exemplifies the critical intersection of diplomacy and media, showing how thoughtful communication can foster understanding and promote Arab interests globally.

The ceremony also applauded creators and platforms making significant contributions across a broad spectrum of sectors. Ta‘allam Ma’ Zakaria (Learn with Zakaria) was recognized for delivering engaging, educational Arabic-language content tailored to young learners, combining entertainment with education in an innovative way that makes learning accessible and enjoyable for children throughout the region.

In the realm of news delivery, the Blinx platform received the Best News Platform award for its fresh approach to presenting news that resonates with younger audiences, bridging the gap between traditional journalism and contemporary digital consumption habits. Kuwaiti entrepreneur Ahmed Al-Zamel was celebrated for initiatives promoting youth empowerment in innovation and investment, emphasizing how entrepreneurship fuels the Arab world’s economic future. Meanwhile, UAE-based Ahmed Al Marzouqi was acknowledged for simplifying financial and economic concepts, making these topics more accessible and engaging for the general public, and helping viewers make informed decisions.

Omar Farouq from Bahrain received acclaim for travel content that highlights cultural diversity and human stories behind tourism, fostering intercultural understanding and showcasing the richness of Arab heritage. From Kuwait, Bibi Al-Khudhari was honored for humanitarian efforts and raising social awareness, promoting solidarity and compassion within Arab societies through her impactful media presence. Dr. Talal Al-Muhaisin, also from Kuwait, was recognized for his contributions to health communication, reflecting the growing importance of digital platforms in sharing vital health information and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

In podcasting, UAE-based Anas Bukhash was celebrated for his influential talk show featuring prominent figures and tackling issues relevant to Arab youth, fostering open dialogue on social, cultural, and political topics. Saudi Arabia’s Shahid platform was awarded for its extensive digital content, which showcases the depth and diversity of Arab visual media, illustrating the rising global appeal of Arab artistic productions. Lastly, Ahmed Al Nasheet from Bahrain was acknowledged for promoting cultural awareness and meaningful content, enriching the social media environment with insightful perspectives.

A Gathering of Digital Innovators and Influencers

The event attracted a distinguished audience, including media professionals, social media influencers, representatives from major digital platforms, and decision-makers involved in new media. This convergence of thought leaders created a fertile environment for discussions about the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Arab digital media. It reinforced Dubai’s prominent role as a hub nurturing talent and innovation within the media sector.

The active participation of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum underscored the significance of institutional support in advancing the digital media ecosystem. Their presence highlighted Dubai’s dedication to cultivating creativity, responsibility, and positive societal impact through digital channels.

Vision and Impact: Driving Positive Digital Change

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, praised the winners for their outstanding creativity and dedication. She emphasized that the Arab Social Media Influencers Award reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who views digital media as a key tool for development, promoting human values, and fostering social responsibility.

The award aligns perfectly with the Dubai Press Club’s mission to create platforms that celebrate impactful voices shaping Arab digital media in a responsible and constructive manner. In a rapidly evolving digital environment, the need for content that addresses contemporary challenges while promoting dialogue, positivity, and development is more critical than ever. This fifth edition’s recognition of influencers who embody these values demonstrates the growing maturity and potential of Arab social media content creators.

Expanding Categories for a Dynamic Digital Era

Reflecting the dynamic nature of digital media, this year’s awards introduced new categories such as Economy, Podcast, Best News Platform, and Best Children’s Platform, complementing existing categories like Influential Personality of the Year, Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Health, Sports, Culture, Tourism, and Arts and Entertainment. This expansion highlights the diverse ways social media impacts various facets of Arab society and culture.

The ceremony also acknowledged the transformative role of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics in content creation. By encouraging influencers to elevate their skills and avoid superficial or controversial content, the awards foster a digital culture rooted in meaningful, impactful ideas that benefit the wider community.

A New Chapter in Arab Digital Influence

The 5th Arab Social Media Influencers Award serves as a beacon guiding the future of Arab digital media. By honoring creative, responsible, and influential content creators, the award reinforces social media’s power as a catalyst for positive societal change. It also highlights Dubai’s ongoing commitment to leading digital innovation and creating an environment where Arab voices can thrive globally with authenticity and integrity.

The event demonstrated that social media in the Arab world is no longer just a communication tool but a platform that shapes cultural narratives, supports development goals, and inspires a new generation of digital leaders. Through the dedicated efforts of both individuals and institutions, the region is poised to continue advancing its digital footprint, promoting values of creativity, responsibility, and societal contribution.