Nahyan bin Mubarak honours ADMAF awardees, media youth

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), honoured five winners of the ADMAF Awards and celebrated the graduation of 22 participants from the Young Media Leaders (YML) career development programme. The initiative aims to empower emerging Emirati talent in the creative and media industries.

A message of national development and youth empowerment

In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the importance of investing in the nation’s youth, calling them the "true wealth" of the UAE. He praised the graduates for embodying ambition and national values and emphasised the role of culture and media as tools for development, dialogue, and global connection. He also tied the ceremony to the goals of the Year of Community 2025, stressing the significance of social cohesion and cultural preservation.

ADMAF's strategic vision

Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting youth through awards in creativity, visual arts, sustainable design, and jewelry design. She emphasised the importance of preparing young professionals for the digital age, including developments in artificial intelligence.

Industry mentorship and real-world learning

The Young Media Leaders programme, developed in collaboration with International Media Investments (IMI), provided immersive training under prominent media figures such as Mohamed Al Hammadi, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Hattlan, Nayla Tueni, and others. Rani Raad, CEO of IMI, praised the programme’s success in developing media professionals equipped with real-world experience and a deep understanding of Emirati values.

Recognising talent across artistic disciplines

This year’s ADMAF Awards celebrated excellence across various creative disciplines, highlighting the innovation and cultural insight of young Emirati talents. Dana Alkatheeri from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi received the Creativity Award for her original musical composition The Founder’s Legacy, which pays tribute to the environmental vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Visual Arts Award was presented to Abdulla Alneyadi of UAE University for his sculptural piece Eternal Gateways, which draws inspiration from traditional Emirati architecture to convey themes of unity and community. The Sustainability Design Award went to Tasneem Albaiti and Alreem Alameri from Zayed University for their innovative research project on creating paper from leaf waste, contributing to sustainable practices in design and environmental awareness.

Longstanding partnerships

Dr Karim El Solh, CEO of Gulf Capital, highlighted the 14-year partnership with ADMAF, noting its role in opening doors for young creatives. He reaffirmed the commitment to supporting youth through access to resources and platforms that turn passion into purpose.

A vision for the future

The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE’s dedication to cultivating a creative, informed, and innovative generation. Sheikh Nahyan praised the achievements of the awardees and graduates, stressing their role in shaping the UAE’s cultural and media landscape for the years to come.