The new awards launched by Sharjah Media City (Shams) aim to celebrate standout Arabic content creators as the spotlight, providing recognition across eight diverse categories, from filmmaking and AI to podcasting and performance.
Celebrating Arab creativity with a modern vision
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has introduced the “Shams Award for Arabic Content,” a major initiative aimed at recognizing the excellence and originality of Arabic media. The award reflects Sharjah’s continued efforts to raise Arab content to regional and global excellence.This step is in line with the strategic vision of his Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Kashmi.According to Shams Director Rashid Abdullah Al Obeid, the award is designed to grow year by year and is in response to rapid changes in content situations. With its focus on developing talent and amplifying the Arabic voice, the initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering generations of creatives in multiple media areas.
Comprehensive awards that include 8 different categories
The 2025 edition of the Shams Award comes in a wide range of categories that recognize both traditional and emerging formats, ensuring inclusiveness across a variety of media and performance domains. Here is a breakdown of the eight competition categories:
Recognize short films that connect emotionally to your audience. Measurement factors include storytelling strength, visual orientation, sound and visual quality, and cultural or social resonance.
Best AI Videos
It focuses on videos created partially or entirely using artificial intelligence.
Best Content Creator Word The most original and impactful Arab content Creator.
Best Podcastile Arabic Excellence in Arabic audio production. Judges assess vocal clarity, engaging delivery, educational benefits, and listener interactions.
The best film script for non-generated scripts written for Arab films.
The outstanding script of the best Arab TV series Scriptrewards, not yet produced.
The best actresses of 2025 exudes the best female performances in movies and TV shows released in 2024 or 2025.
Best Actors of 2025 recognize the best male performances in film and television in 2024 or 2025. He has been praised for his acting skills, emotional delivery, and the credibility of his character portrayal.
Transparent evaluation and review process
All nominations must be submitted via the awards’ dedicated online platform and entries will be closed on October 31, 2025.Submissions will undergo rigorous evaluations based on a variety of clear and transparent standards.
Each entry is reviewed by a professional review board that includes experts and experts in the fields of media, creative industry and art production. Their role is to ensure that the final choice reflects both local relevance and outstanding international standards.
About Shams: A Platform for Creative Growth
Sharjah Media City (Shams) was founded in 2017 in a media-centric free zone in Sharjah, Al Messaned, which was established by Emiri Act, under the guidance of Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.Over 2 million square meters, Shams has established itself as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the wider region. It offers affordable and efficient solutions for startups, small businesses, freelancers and media ventures looking to establish themselves in a competitive global market.Shams offers a comprehensive ecosystem that includes:
Over the past five years, Shams has grown into a vibrant community that attracts international talent and foreign investment, but they all support their mission to access creative entrepreneurship and stimulate business growth. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive, future-ready media landscape continues to shape Sharjah’s legacy as a beacon of innovation and excellence.
