Dubai: The UAE has launched the first `Arab Social Media Award in the Gulf region to encourage Arab societies for responsible use of social media and increase awareness about the issues of concern to the community.
An initiative of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the award is focused on the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world.
Conceptualised as an annual event, it honours individual and institutional innovations in different sectors and across different social media channels that help establish a positive environment for innovation and creativity.
The award will be given in three major criteria that define its orientations and positioning as an Arabian award of excellence.
It will be positive in form and content through its focus on: connectivity, creativity and impact.
Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that social media has become fundamental to the social, economic and political fabric of the Arab world and played a key role in shaping events.
"Social media influences are important change-makers in society. Those who bring wisdom, creativity and positivity are a powerful force for good, because social media are powerful tools for development and progress. The Arab world has not yet made the most of the enormously positive potential of social media.
This Award will highlight successful examples in the area of social media and use them as a basis to maximise the benefits to society," Sheikh Mohammed said.
