Iraqi Journalist Crowned Arab Media Personality 2025

Fakhri Karim, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts, earned the prestigious Media Personality of the Year award at Dubai’s 24th Arab Media Summit. The ceremony took place at Dubai World Trade Center.

His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s Ruler, presided over this celebration of journalistic excellence. The summit recognized nine outstanding winners from media organizations of all types. Since these honors began, 361 individuals and organizations have received awards. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam joined other prominent media figures at this significant event that continues to shape the Arab media world.

Iraqi Journalist Receives Media Personality of the Year Award

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“Today, we honor a distinguished group of media professionals whose dedication and professionalism have enhanced public discourse and set high standards in media practice. The winning works from this edition exemplify credibility, creativity and a deep sense of responsibility. This recognition affirms our belief in professional media as a force for preserving national identity, promoting dialog and helping build a more informed and cohesive future.” — Sheik Mansoor bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; presented the Media Personality of the Year award at the Arab Media Summit 2025

Fakhri Karim received the prestigious Media Personality of the Year award at the Dubai World Trade Center. His Highness Sheik Mansoor bin Mohammed and Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, presented this honor to the accomplished Iraqi journalist.

The Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts’ Chairman and Editor-in-Chief earned recognition for three remarkable achievements. His distinguished work in Arab journalism stands out first. His decades-long service to Arab media and culture comes second. His vital role in advancing Iraq’s journalism profession rounds up his contributions[52][62].

The 24th Arab Media Award ceremony brought together prominent figures from the media world. His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, graced the occasion. The event saw participation from editors-in-chief and senior leaders of major media organizations in the UAE and Arab region. Many renowned writers and influential figures from the Arab media world attended the ceremony[52][62].

Arab journalism’s highest honors include this prestigious recognition. The Arab Media Forum hosted the award ceremony on May 27, cementing its position as a leading platform for excellence. The event reflects His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to establish Dubai as a hub for Arab media that celebrates excellence and breakthroughs in this crucial sector.

Quality journalism’s importance in the region shines through this ceremony. The Arab Media Summit has grown into a significant gathering that recognizes outstanding professional contributions and unites media professionals from the Arab world and beyond.

What Distinguished the Journalist’s Career?

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Fakhri Karim’s decades-long career reflects his service to journalism in Iraq and the Arab world. His professional experience shows his steadfast dedication to high journalistic standards. He achieved this despite the challenging political climate in the region.

Karim leads the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts as a pioneer in independent journalism. His leadership changed the organization into a respected institution connecting media and cultural growth. The foundation became a symbol of free expression and critical thinking in Iraq’s media landscape under his guidance.

A well-rounded approach to journalism makes Karim stand out. He champions cultural initiatives that celebrate Iraqi heritage alongside traditional reporting. His work goes beyond news coverage to create a broader cultural impact. This enriches the media space with fresh viewpoints and artistic expression.

Political instability and conflict couldn’t stop Karim from keeping editorial independence. This rare achievement earned him respect across political lines in a region where media faces heavy restrictions. His principles and integrity made him a trusted voice in Iraqi media.

New journalists flourish under Karim’s guidance. He shapes the next generation of reporters through mentorship programs and professional growth initiatives. These reporters stay committed to ethical journalism principles.

Smart media management helped Al-Mada succeed despite industry challenges. Karim varied content offerings and embraced digital changes. This strategy helped sustain quality journalism as media evolved faster than ever.

The Arab Media Summit recognition crowns these professional achievements. It celebrates both his personal success and his vital role in raising journalistic standards throughout the Arab world.

Who Else Was Honored at the Arab Media Summit?

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“Gouda was honored for his balanced commentary and insightful analysis of current affairs, highlighting his contribution to enriching Arab journalism.” — Gulf News Editorial, Gulf News, leading UAE news publication

The 24th Arab Media Summit celebrated excellence by honoring nine distinguished winners beyond Fakhri Karim’s recognition. Outstanding work in television and print journalism took center stage at the ceremony.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed and Mona Al Marri presented five awards in the TV category. Sky News Arabia dominated with two wins – “Business with Lobna” earned Best Economic Program and “Counter Attack” won Best Sports Program. Reem Bsati accepted the Best Social Program award for Al Arabiya’s “Sabah Al Arabiya”. DMC channel’s “Sahibat Al Saada” won Best Cultural Program. Al Sharq Documentary received the Best Documentary award for their powerful Gaza film “Under the Rubble”.

Abdulla Al Hamed and Dr. Maitha Buhumaid presented three awards in the Arab Journalism category:

• Political Journalism: Mohamed Eissa from Al Ahram Al Arabi for “Drones… the Looming Threat”
• Investigative Journalism: Sameh El Laboudy from Asharq Al-Awsat for “The Final Voyage of the Notorious ‘Salt Boat'”
• Economic Journalism: El Sayed Zeidah and Mohamed Salman from Youm7 for “The Cryptocurrency Maze Begins with a Like”

The 2025 award edition drew massive interest from media professionals, with 2,956 submissions from all types of categories. This strong participation highlights the award’s importance in regional media.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri praised the winners, noting that “This year’s winners represent a group of professionals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to the Arab media landscape. Their work sets a benchmark for quality and impact”.

The Arab Media Award reflects Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision. Dubai continues to grow as a leading hub for Arab media excellence and nurtures outstanding media talent throughout the region.

The Legacy of Excellence in Arab Media

The 24th Arab Media Summit showcases journalistic excellence in the Arab world. Fakhri Karim’s selection as Media Personality of the Year marks a milestone achievement for Iraqi journalism and the regional media landscape. He set a powerful example for future journalists through his steadfast dedication to editorial independence in challenging times.

The summit celebrated nine outstanding winners who represent the rich diversity of Arab media. Their work covers investigative reporting, economic analysis, cultural programming, and documentary filmmaking. These achievements prove that quality journalism thrives despite regional challenges.

The Arab Media Award has grown into a prestigious platform that celebrates professional excellence. It advances Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to make Dubai a leading hub for state-of-the-art media. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam’s presence at the ceremony shows its growing international importance.

Since its inception, the award has honored 361 individuals and organizations who uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Events like this summit help encourage media development in the Arab world.

Karim’s recognition inspires journalists who work in difficult conditions. Through the Al-Mada Foundation, he shows how journalism can exceed traditional coverage to preserve heritage and promote critical thinking.

The 2,956 submissions from media organizations of all sizes highlight the reliable state of media production in the region. This healthy competition drives excellence and innovation in content creation.

This celebration of journalistic achievement represents a collective victory for press freedom and professional media practices throughout the Arab world. The Arab Media Summit’s continued success points to a bright future for quality journalism in the region.