Ashraf AboArafe
Cairo, January 25, 2026 — Senior officials and media leaders gathered at the headquarters of the League of Arab States for the first meeting of the Committee of the Arab Media Excellence Award in its tenth edition, marking a renewed regional commitment to quality, innovation, and ethical media practice across the Arab world.
In his opening address, Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Head of the Media and Communication Sector, welcomed committee members and reaffirmed that the award was launched pursuant to a decision by the Council of Arab Ministers of Information during its 55th session held in November 2025.
Khattabi emphasized that the award aims to promote professional excellence, encourage creativity, and elevate media standards across print, television, radio, and digital platforms. He noted that the initiative seeks to highlight outstanding media models while fostering responsible journalism that addresses humanitarian and developmental issues—particularly those affecting youth and vulnerable communities.
The Assistant Secretary-General praised the State of Kuwait for its continued sponsorship of the award, describing its support as essential to enhancing the award’s institutional strength and regional visibility. He also revealed ongoing discussions to establish a Board of Trustees composed of experienced media professionals to reinforce transparency, credibility, and governance under the supervision of the League of Arab States.
Khattabi further commended Arab permanent delegations and media unions for the surge in nominations during the previous edition, reflecting growing engagement with the award’s mission. He stressed that all submissions must adhere to professional ethics, avoid political incitement, respect societal values, and comply with the Arab Media Code of Honor.
A key focus of this year’s discussions centered on digital transformation and the expanding role of artificial intelligence in journalism and media production. According to the Technical Secretariat’s thematic review, AI-related topics dominated proposed themes, underscoring their deep impact on media ethics, professional standards, and content creation.
Khattabi highlighted that artificial intelligence has become a critical tool not only in reshaping media industries but also in accelerating development across various sectors in the Arab region, aligning with the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Arab media excellence, nurturing innovation, and ensuring that evolving technologies serve the values of professionalism, integrity, and social responsibility.
