Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of Arab Social Media

The world is seeing a fast pace of development due to the speed of technological advancement, which has enabled unprecedented interaction between individuals and communities, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has said.

While honouring the winners of the Arab Social Media Influencers Awards, he said many social, economic and cultural concepts have to be revised because of this transformation, which is still at its peak.

The Award ceremony was held on the sidelines of the second edition of the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS), being held from 13-14 December at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of keeping up with global scientific and knowledge development to enable Arabs to regain their civilisational glory. "The profound changes the region has witnessed requires us to keep pace with the speed of global developments and changing knowledge trends. We need to intensify the work required to benefit from these scientific and technological breakthroughs and accelerate development in the region so that the region can regain its position as a cradle for human civilisation."

He also highlighted the growing impact of social media platforms and its influence on people. Sheikh Mohammed warned against the trap of wasting time, and urged people to use time prudently.

"There is no doubt that social media has impacted people’s lives, and provided an opportunity for talented people in their domains to influence their environment and followers. It is very important to know that the ability to make a positive impact on society is a gift that needs to be used to help develop communities and support their aspirations. In addition, we need to highlight successful models and encourage creative talent in order to achieve the highest excellence," Sheikh Mohammed said.

The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Among others present were H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Cabinet Member and Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future.

Also attending the event were Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Chairman of the Board of Director of National Media Council (NMC). Both were honoured at the Awards ceremony.

The ASMIS Awards received nominations from 21 countries, with 87% of nominations coming from Arab countries. The nominees included Arabs residing in foreign countries.

Among the honorees were Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, in the category of individuals representing the public sector. Also the winners were Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for using social media to incentivise youth; Sheikh Majed Al Sabah in the category of tourism; and Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash in the category of politics.

Saudi Ahmed Al Shagiri won the award in the media category, while UAE singer Hussain Al Jassmi won the award in the art category.

Among corporate awards, Emirates received the award in the tourism category, while the UAE Ministry of Interior won the award in the public sector category. MBC sports anchor Mustapha Al Agha won the public choice award.