Dubai opens entries for 2026 Arab Social Media Influencers Award – here’s how to apply
Winners to be honoured during major regional media gathering
DUBAI – The Dubai Press Club has announced the opening of submissions for the sixth edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Award, inviting entries from across the Arab region and beyond.
Applications will be accepted until 16 March 2026 through the official online portal.
Arab Social Media Influencers Award
The Award recognises leading Arab content creators who use social media platforms to publish impactful, responsible and value driven content that benefits communities and audiences across sectors. The initiative highlights the growing influence of digital creators in shaping public awareness and promoting constructive dialogue online.
The Award reflects the importance placed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the role of digital creators in strengthening a positive Arab presence in the global digital space, supporting knowledge sharing, and reinforcing ethical and responsible media practices.
This year’s edition features 12 categories covering a broad range of digital activity and public interest areas. These include Podcast, Arts and Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Sports, Tourism, Audience, Economy, Culture, Best Children’s Platform, Influential Personality of the Year, Community Service and Health, and Best News Platform.
According to officials, the category diversity is designed to ensure inclusive recognition across key sectors of modern digital communication and everyday life, while encouraging creators to produce specialised and socially relevant content.
Maryam Al Mulla, Director of the Dubai Press Club, said the Award embodies the leadership vision for a digital media landscape that contributes positively to society and helps shape the future of communication. She noted that the initiative also aligns with the directives of Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, to strengthen collaboration with social media pioneers and channel their digital reach towards community service and meaningful ideas.
Selection process
Salma Al Mansoori, Manager of the Arab Social Media Influencers Award, described the platform as one of the region’s leading initiatives supporting media excellence among digital creators. She said the Award operates within the broader framework of the Arab Media Summit, recognised as the largest media gathering of its kind in the Arab world.
She confirmed that winners will be honoured in March during the Arab Media Summit 2026, in the presence of senior media leaders and decision makers from across the region.
Al Mansoori said the judging process includes multiple evaluation stages based on clear professional criteria developed with leading digital media experts. The system is designed to ensure integrity, objectivity and transparency when identifying winners from across the Arab world.
How to apply
Submissions are open through both self nomination and third party nomination, provided applicants meet the Award’s criteria and requirements. Creators, platforms and digital initiatives from within the region and internationally are eligible to participate.
Applications must be submitted through the Dubai Press Club’s official award webpage, where detailed category descriptions and eligibility guidelines are available for participants.