Unleash Your Creative Potential: Dubai Press Club Invites Submissions for 10th Arab Media Youth Award 'Ebda3'

Dubai Press Club has opened applications for the tenth edition of the Arab Youth Media Award "Ibdaa," targeting media students across the Arab world. The competition, sponsored by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, offers $5,000 prizes in six categories and serves as a direct pipeline between promising students and major media organizations looking for fresh talent.

The award has grown into the region's most important platform for media students. It does more than just recognize good work – it creates real career opportunities. Major media companies closely monitor the submissions to identify new talent, while students get direct exposure to potential employers.

Maryam Al Mulla, director of Dubai Press Club, says the competition addresses a practical need. "We believe the future of Arab media depends heavily on the new generation of young people," she explains. The award doesn't just celebrate winners – it opens professional doors by putting students directly in front of major media institutions.

This year's competition includes six categories: photography, podcasts, news reports, electronic games, multimedia, and short video. Students can submit work in Arabic or English, but all applications must go through their universities with official approval letters.

The timing reflects the rapid changes happening in media. Traditional newsrooms are shrinking while digital platforms explode. But Arab media companies still need skilled professionals who understand both classical journalism and new formats like podcasts and short-form video.

Amna Khalil, the award's director, emphasizes how the competition adapts to these shifts. Students can showcase creativity across traditional and digital formats, giving them experience with the tools they'll actually use in modern newsrooms.

The application process is straightforward but requires institutional backing. Students from any Arab country can participate, including Arab students studying at international universities. The deadline is February 16, 2026, and all submissions need official university approval confirming the student's enrollment and the work's originality.

Each category winner receives $5,000, but the real value might be the networking opportunities. Winners get recognized at the Arab Youth Media Forum, where media leaders meet directly with the next generation of journalists and content creators.

The competition fills a gap that many industries face – connecting academic training with real-world opportunities. Media companies get access to pre-screened talent, while students gain visibility in a competitive job market. For a region where youth unemployment remains high, these direct connections between education and employment matter.

The award also reflects Dubai's broader strategy to position itself as a media hub. By hosting the region's premier student media competition, Dubai attracts both emerging talent and established media companies, strengthening its role in shaping Arab media's future.