The deadline is fast approaching for closure of entries for the first-ever Arab Social Media Award, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The organizing committee of the award has called for completion of all nominations for submission by September 15, 2014.

The organizing committee said the award has received a strong response from both individuals and companies as shown by the volume of entries so far. Individuals and organisations wishing to participate in the award can register in a few steps on the award website: www.arabsocialmediaaward.ae Upon entering the website, click on tab Participate Now, following which the participant needs to choose from one of three options (Nominate Yourself, Nominate Your Company, or Nominate Someone Else or Another Company). Once the nomination option has been selected, the participant can choose the award category. In the final step, the participant needs to upload supporting documents to enhance winning chances.

The award includes 20 categories: Government Sector, Private Sector, Blogs, Media, Sport, Tolerance, CSR, Education, Youth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Politics, Health, Arts, Safety, Security, Shopping, Environment, Tourism and Entertainment, in addition to the Personality of the Year Award.

The organizing committee announced opening of entries for participation on 29 June. It expects that the last 10 days before the closing date will witness additional entries being submitted, especially from the highly populated Arab countries. The committee is confident that the award will stimulate community engagement and demonstrate how social media platforms are powerful tools for creating positive and sustainable impact on local communities, economies and society in general

The Arab Social Media Award is based on three main pillars: communication, creativity and impact. It recognises communication within communities, tangible benefits for social development, and the contribution towards progress and prosperity.

The award, which is the first of its kind in the region, recognizes the most important social media initiatives in the Arab world. It honours individuals and companies in various sectors who have used different channels of social media to help establish a positive interactive environment for innovation and creativity.