ABU DHABI (WAM)

On its third and final day, the second edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, witnessed the honouring of the winners of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) competition for the best report and best photograph.

The competition, annually endorsed by the federation, aims to encourage and acknowledge outstanding journalistic works.

The ceremony was attended by Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM) and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the GMC, along with heads and directors of Arab news agencies, Farid Ayar, Secretary-General of FANA, and distinguished guests participating in the GMC.

The Qatar News Agency (QNA) won the award for Best Report for 2022, and the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) secured the Best Photography Award for 2023.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) was awarded the Excellence Award for 2022, alongside the Best Journalistic Report Award for 2023.

Suleiman Zahra was honoured for his outstanding efforts to develop FANA’s website.

Al Rayssi lauded the efforts of the awards’ winners, commending their journalistic efforts and expressing his happiness at the fact that the GMC is a platform that honours FANA award winners and where Arab news agencies gather under the umbrella of its general secretariat, fostering year-on-year discussions that enhance the work of Arab agencies, address journalistic challenges, and contribute to their development and reinforcement at a national level, significantly contributing to the renaissance of Arab nations and communities.

He also lauded Ayar’s efforts to organise the prestigious award ceremony, acknowledging its significant role in recognising and motivating distinguished professionals at Arab news agencies and encouraging their continuous pursuit of excellence and commitment to addressing national issues, enhancing the journalistic landscape within their agencies.

Ayar applauded the efforts of the award’s winners, stressing that the union aims, through this recognition, to appreciate the exceptional work of Arab news agency professionals, who are setting an example for their peers, fostering healthy competition among Arab journalistic talents, and encouraging them to excel by focussing on issues that matter to their societies.

The winners of FANA awards expressed their thanks to everyone who participated in preparing this distinguished celebration that befits the prestigious position occupied by Arab news agencies and in the presence of a group of its leaders and employees, led by FANA's General Secretariat and the Arab News Agency and the Emirates News Agency and the Higher Organising Committee of the Global Media Congress, headed by Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi.

He extended his gratitude to the UAE, represented by WAM, for hosting the ceremony during the global forum, which is solidifying its position year-on-year as an international platform for discussions and exchanges where specialists and experts can share their visions for the development and advancement of the media industry, becoming a cornerstone of the nation's advancement and supporting their capacities to progress towards a brighter future.

He wished further success to the GMC in keeping pace with the latest developments across Arab, regional, and international media landscapes.

The FANA award winners expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in organising the celebration, reflecting the prestigious status held by Arab news agencies. They also lauded the attendance of its leadership and employees, especially the General Secretariat of FANA, WAM, and the Higher Organising Committee led by Al Rayssi.

The honourees lauded the GMC for its enriching and comprehensive discussions, stressing that the event has evolved into a global platform for discussing all facets of the media and exploring ways of developing and supporting it across all levels to keep pace with overall global advancements.