The Ibda'a Media Student Awards
Dubai Media City launched the Ibda'a Media Student Awards in 2001 under Sheikh Mohammed's patronage.
Ibda'a is the Arabic word for creativity.
The aim of the Ibda'a Awards is to discover, showcase and develop the talents of media students.
The Competition
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| Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed presenting a prize |
The Ibda'a Awards are open to university and college students.
All entries must be approved by the student's university or college before they are submitted and participants are asked to respect the religion and culture of the Gulf.
Entries must be in English, although subtitles can be used.
A panel of media experts judges the entries and shortlists candidates for each award category based on the originality, style and impact of their entries.
Prizes
In addition to a trophy, the winners are often offered internships or prizes.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Technology and Media Zone Authority, presented the fifth Ibda'a Media Student Awards at Dubai Media City on April 25, 2006.
- Digital Photography: Lateefa bint Maktoum from Zayed University, UAE
- Print Advertising: Anuja Rane from Sophia Polytechnic, India
- Graphic Design and Special Recognition Award for the Best UAE Project: Sheikha bin Daher from American University of Sharjah, UAE
- Radio: Swagata Majumdar from Convergence Institute of Media Management, India
- Journalism: Sarah Saleh from University of Sydney, Australia
- TV Advertising: Maha Khawaja, Preston University Ajman, UAE
- Analogue Photography: Asma Faisal Murad, Dubai Women's College, UAE
- TV Documentary: Rrivu Laha from Film & TV Institute of India
- Animation: Omid Khoshenazar from IRIB, Iran
- Film: Vibhu Puri from Film & TV Institute of India

