A new award launched by Sharjah Media City (Shams) aims to spotlight and honour outstanding Arabic content creators, offering recognition across eight diverse categories, from filmmaking and AI to podcasting and performance.
Honouring Arab creativity with a modern vision
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has introduced the “Shams Award for Arabic Content”, a major initiative aimed at recognising excellence and originality in Arabic media. The award reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to elevate Arab content to regional and global prominence.This step is in line with the strategic vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has consistently championed innovation and empowerment of Arab content creators.According to Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director-General of Shams, the award is designed to grow year after year, keeping pace with the rapid transformations in the content landscape. With a focus on fostering talent and amplifying Arabic voices, the initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing a generation of creatives across multiple media disciplines.
A comprehensive award with eight distinct categories
The 2025 edition of the Shams Award features a broad selection of categories that acknowledge both traditional and emerging formats, ensuring inclusivity across various domains of media and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the eight competitive categories:
- Best Short Film
- Recognises short films that emotionally connect with audiences.
- Judging factors include storytelling strength, visual direction, sound and visual quality, and cultural or social resonance.
- Best AI Video
- Focuses on videos created either partially or entirely using artificial intelligence.
- Entries are judged on originality, integration of AI with creative thought, and technological innovation.
- Best Content Creator
- Awards the most original and impactful Arab content creator.
- Considers content quality, audience engagement, posting frequency, and alignment with social and cultural values.
- Best Arabic Podcast
- Highlights excellence in Arabic audio production.
- Judges assess vocal clarity, engaging delivery, educational merit, and listener interaction.
- Best Film Script
- For unproduced scripts written for Arab films.
- Criteria include originality, storytelling quality, plot structure, and character depth.
- Best Series Script
- Rewards standout scripts for yet-to-be-produced Arab TV series.
- Entries are evaluated on narrative design, character arcs, and overall engagement.
Best Actress of 2025 - Celebrates the best female performance in films or television shows released in 2024 or 2025.
- Key metrics include emotional nuance, screen presence, and authenticity in portrayal.
Best Actor of 2025 - Recognises the best male performance in film or television during 2024 or 2025.
- Assessed on acting skill, emotional delivery, and the believability of character depiction.
Transparent evaluation and judging process
All nominations must be submitted via the award’s dedicated online platform, with entries closing on 31st October 2025.Submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation based on a range of clear and transparent criteria:
- Originality and quality of the core idea
- Innovation in execution
- Cultural and societal influence
- Artistic and technical proficiency
- Consistency with the positive values inherent in Arabic content
Each entry will be reviewed by specialised judging committees comprising experts and professionals from the fields of media, creative industries, and artistic production. Their role is to ensure that the final selections reflect both local relevance and international standards of excellence.
About Shams: A platform for creative growth
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a media-focused free zone located in Al Messaned, Sharjah, established by Emiri Decree in 2017 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.Spanning over 2 million square metres, Shams has positioned itself as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the wider region. It offers affordable, efficient solutions for startups, SMEs, freelancers, and media ventures looking to establish themselves in a competitive global market.Shams provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes:
- Business setup and licensing services
- Access to high-standard infrastructure
- Guidance and support for producing quality content
- Workspaces that support collaboration and innovation
Over the past five years, Shams has grown into a vibrant community attracting international talent and foreign investment, all while upholding a mission to make creative entrepreneurship accessible and stimulate business growth. Its commitment to nurturing an inclusive and future-ready media landscape continues to shape Sharjah’s legacy as a beacon for innovation and excellence.
