UAE bags 17 awards at GCC Radio & Television Festival

UAE media organisations won 17 diverse awards at the 16th edition of the GCC Radio and Television Festival, which concluded in Manama on Thursday.

Additionally, three pioneers of Emirati media were honoured: Hessa Al Ossaily, Mohamed Najib and Ahmed Saeed Al Mansouri.

The UAE Media Pavilion, organised by the UAE Media Council highlighted the efforts of local media institutions in providing modern interactive content that combines creativity, authenticity, and credibility, reaching all segments of society.

The pavilion witnessed a significant turnout from officials, media professionals and the general public.

Visitors were impressed by the diversity and innovation showcased by the UAE media institutions, reflecting the sector's remarkable progress and its ability to produce creative content that enriches the local and Arab media landscape.

Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, expressed his pride and appreciation for this Emirati media achievement.

"The UAE's media achievements are a testament to the foresighted vision of its leadership, coupled with meticulous planning, diligent execution, and a commitment to continuous learning. By leveraging past successes and fostering a culture of innovation, Emirati media has demonstrably positioned itself for continued excellence," he said.

"We believe that investing in national cadres, providing a stimulating environment for creativity, and equipping them with the skills and expertise to ensure a thriving and sustainable media industry is the foundation for media excellence," added Sheikh Abdulla.

The festival witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 360 entries submitted by media institutions across the Gulf and Arab regions. Among these entries, 80 were dramatic works with a combined production cost of AED 800 million.

Participants competed across 46 award categories spanning television and radio programmes, dramas and digital media.

Abu Dhabi Media Network secured eight awards across various categories while Dubai Media Incorporated garnered nine awards.

The Festival also honoured three luminaries from the UAE's media landscape: Ahmed Saeed Al Mansouri for his contributions to television; veteran radio broadcaster Hessa Al Ossaily; and esteemed sports journalist Mohamed Najib.