Sharjah24: Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced the closure of registrations for the second edition of the Shams Arab Content Award, after all eligible entries were received. Winners will be announced and honoured at an official ceremony in January 2026.
Wide participation from creators
The second edition of the award witnessed strong interest from creators, content producers, and organisations wishing to participate. A total of 871 entries were submitted, reflecting the award’s success in supporting Arab talent and enhancing the quality and creativity of digital content, while maintaining Arab cultural values and identity.
Obaid Al Suwaidi, a member of the award’s organising committee, said the high participation across different categories demonstrates the initiative’s success in achieving its goals. He also praised participants for contributing to a culture of excellence, creativity, and quality in Arab content production.
Geographic diversity and growing platform
The current edition featured wide geographic diversity: 48% of entries were from the UAE, 31% from Algeria, 13% from Egypt, 8% from Saudi Arabia, with additional contributions from Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Syria. This diversity highlights the award’s ability to attract Arab creators from across the region, cementing its position as a unifying platform for talent in digital media.
Category highlights and youth engagement
The “Best Content Creator” category led with 37% of entries, followed by “Best AI Video” (30%), “Best Short Film” (17%), and “Best Arabic Podcast” (13%). These figures reflect the increasing interest of Arab youth in modern technologies and diverse creative tools for digital expression.
The strong engagement sends a clear message: Arab content is thriving, and Arab talent is capable of innovation, creativity, and leaving a significant mark on the digital media landscape.