Du announces judges of Social Media Awards

Mobilk - Du has announced the formation of its judging panel for the Du Social Media Awards, which were launched in conjunction with the 41st UAE National Day celebrations, as a reflection of the spirit of the nation.

The panel brings together Emiratis with a wealth of media and creativity experience, whose presence in, and impact on the social media world is well established.

They are:

Sami Al Riyami, Editor-in-Chief, Emarat Al Youm. A journalist, columnist and published author, Al Riyami has extensive experience in the UAEs media and creative field. He has a particular interest in social and domestic affairs and is an active participant on social media channels.

Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director, Dubai Press Club. Bin Fahad has won several awards for her creative work, and is distinguished as one of the most active young media leaders in the UAE.

Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, Du. Badri provides strategic direction and leads Dus communications efforts. She has a powerful social media presence and is a well recognised figure in the UAE community due to her active influential corporate social responsibility efforts.

Abdulrahman Al Harthi, Executive Director of Radio, Abu Dhabi Media Company, and Vice Chairman, Union of Printing and Publishing. Known for his visionary media insights and strategies, Al Harthi has more than 15 years of experience in the field of information and media management.

"The Du Social Media Awards are a gift to the people of the UAE on the occasion of the 41st National Day. They recognise members of the online society who make positive contributions to our countrys community through their social media presence, and are organised and managed by Emiratis, for Emiratis," said Ahmad Bin Byat, Chairman, Du.

"Our focus is on encouraging social bonding and the coming together of the UAE community. As a nation unified through social media, we are able to promote positive messages for the benefit of our country, as has been demonstrated by the initiatives of HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who we would like to thank for his inspirational work," he added.

There has been a great interest already in the Du Social Media Awards, for which entries are being accepted until 20 November. Social media practitioners can nominate their initiatives for the awards through web.

On 21 November, the judging panel would be analysing the entries, and will select the winners for the four Awards categories. These are the Abdullah Bin Zayed Social Responsibility Award; Best Digital Video Content Award; Best Blog | Blogger Award, and Peoples Choice Award.

In addition to the Du Social Media Awards, the telecom is celebrating the UAEs 41st National Day with its National Song contest, which invites the people of the UAE to write lyrics demonstrating their love of the nation. These will then be turned into lyrics by poet Ali Al Khawar, with music composed by Fawaz Al Saeed, who will then perform the song with Shamma Hamdan.