Dubai Media City to Present Ibda'a Media Student Awards 2008 on 27 November

Mohamed Almulla, Coordinator General of Ibda’a Media Student Awards, with panelists from International Advertising Association (IAA) and finalists for Ibda’a Media Student Awards 2008.

Dubai: 26 November, 2008 – Dubai Media City (DMC), a member of TECOM Investments, will announce the winners of the seventh Ibda’a Media Student Awards 2008 at a gala ceremony on 27 November at the DMC Amphitheatre.

The 42 shortlisted entrants from Egypt, India, Iran, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and the UAE are vying for top honours in 10 categories including Animation, Analogue Photography, Digital Photography, Film/TV Feature, Graphic Design, Journalism, Print Advertising, TV Advertising, TV Documentary, and Radio.

At a special ceremony held today (26 November), the young finalists were presented with certificates of appreciation by the elite judging panel, which comprised prominent media professionals selected by the International Advertising Association (IAA) - UAE chapter.

Mohamed Al Mulla, Coordinator General of Ibda’a Media Students Awards, said:

The creative calibre of this year’s entrants is yet again of extremely high standard. It is remarkable to witness such talented expressions of contemporary issues that affect young people globally. The variety and diversity both in form and content of the work exhibited here at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre showcase the top talent of media students globally.

Winners will receive prestigious prizes including internships with leading global media brands such as CNN, Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Xische Studios, Team Young & Rubicam, Motivate Publishing, Nikon, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, CNBC and MBC.

Since its launch in June 2001 to discover, showcase and foster young media talent, the Ibda'a Media Student Awards have been presented to 57 winners to date. The initiative is organised annually by Dubai Media City in partnership with the International Advertising Association – UAE Chapter (IAA - UAE) and presenting sponsor Ziad Galadari Group.  Ibda’a Awards 2008 is co-sponsored by AW Rostamani, DMI, Emirates NBD Bank, and OMD.

Notes to Editors

About Dubai Media City

Strategically located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Dubai Media City is rapidly emerging as the region's media hub.  The City provides an advanced infrastructure for media-related businesses to operate globally out of Dubai.  Dubai Media City is the place where activities Publishing, Music, Film, New Media, Leisure & Entertainment, Broadcasting, Media & Marketing Services, and Information Agencies will thrive. The facility offers an environment that allows companies and individuals to operate with collective synergy and freedom.

Companies based in Dubai Media City have the unique edge of commercial benefits derived from our free zone status including 100 % business ownership and exemption from personal income and corporate taxes. Since its official opening in January 2001, Dubai Media City has grown to become a thriving media community of over 1200 companies and hundreds of freelance media professionals. Several global media giants and promising entrepreneurial ventures have joined this unique community.

For further information, please call:

Zeba Ahmad
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e-mail: Zeba.Ahmad@jiwin.ae

Or

Cynthia Luna-Harb
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email: Cynthia.Luna@jiwin.ae