A new award launched by Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) aims to give spotlight and respect to outstanding Arabic content creators, accrediting eight diverse categories, from filmmaking and podcasting and performance, from AI to Podcasting and Performance.
Aid
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) has presented a major initiative “Shams Award for Arabic content” with the aim of recognizing excellence and originality in Arabic media. The award reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to increase Arab material to regional and global prominence.This step was his His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi is in line with the strategic vision of the Supreme Council member and the ruler of Sharjah, who has consistently made the innovation and empowerment of the creators the champion.According to Shams Director General Rashid Abdullah Al Obed, the award is designed to increase year-on-year, which keeps pace with rapid changes in the material landscape. Along with focusing on promoting talent and increasing Arabic sounds, initiative is expected to play an important role in the nutrition of a generation of creative in many media subjects.
A comprehensive award with eight different categories
The 2025 edition of the SHAMS Award has a comprehensive selection of categories that accept both traditional and emerging forms, ensuring inclusion in various domains of media and performance. Here is the breakdown of eight competitive categories:
- Best short movie
- Recognizes short films that emotionally connect with the audience.
- Judging factors include the power of storytelling, visual direction, sound and visual quality and cultural or social resonance.
- Best AI Video
- Focuses on a video made by partially or completely artificial intelligence.
- Entries are judged on the integration of AI with originality, creative thoughts and technological innovations.
- Best material manufacturer
- The most original and influential Arab material manufacturer awards.
- Consider the quality of the material, the busyness of the audience, the posting frequency, and alignment with social and cultural values.
- Best Arabic Podcast
- Excellence in Arabic audio production was highlighted.
- Judges assess vocal clarity, attractive distribution, educational qualifications and listeners interactions.
- Best movie script
- For unaware script written for Arab films.
- The criteria include originality, story quality, plot structure and character depth.
- Best series script
- Rewards Standout Script yet for the Arab TV series produced.
- 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.
- The illustration in the major metrics includes emotional nuances, screen appearance and authenticity.
Best actor of 2025 - The best male performance in the film or television during 2024 or 2025 recognizes.
- Acting skills, emotional distribution and reliability of characterization were evaluated.
Transparent assessment and justice process
All nominations should be presented through the dedicated online platform dedicated to the award, in which entries are closed on 31 October 2025.Submission will undergo a rigorous assessment depending on a range of clear and transparent criteria:
- Originality and quality of original idea
- Innovation in execution
- Cultural and social influence
- Artistic and technical proficiency
- Consistency with positive values ​​contained in Arabic content
Each entry will be reviewed by special justice committees involving experts and professionals from media, creative industries and fields of artistic production. Their role is to ensure that the final selection reflects both the international standards of local relevance and excellence.
About Shams: A platform for creative development
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is a media-centric free zone, which is located in Al Masaned, Sharjah, which is His Excellency Sheikh Dr. In 2017, under the leadership of Sultan bin Muhammad al -Qasimi, he was established by Emer Dickery.Spread over 2 million square meters, Shams has deployed itself as a center for creativity and entrepreneurship in the United Arab Emirates and comprehensive regions. It provides inexpensive, efficient solutions for startups, SMEs, freelancers and media undertakings that are looking to establish themselves in competitive global market.Shams offers a broad ecosystem that includes:
- Business setup and licensing services
- Access to high-standard infrastructure
- Guidance and support for the production of quality materials
- Cooperation and innovation
In the last five years, Shams have developed in a vibrant community attracting international talent and foreign investment as a vibrant community, while all maintain a mission to make creative entrepreneurship accessible and encourage business growth. Its commitment to nurture an inclusive and future media landscape continues to shape Sharjah’s legacy as a beacon to innovation and excellence.
