Websites to vie for top ME awards

The Pan Arab Web Awards Academy, together with the UAE Web Awards Committee, has announced the launch of the fourth edition of the UAE Web Awards.

The contest honours the creative talents behind the development and design of UAE websites while promoting the protection of their intellectual property rights.

The competition is open to all UAE-based organisations and independent website designers and developers. The best website will receive the Diamond Award, the highest honorary award in the competition. Each contest category will include three winners, with the champion receiving a golden cup and the second and third placers getting silver and bronze cups, respectively.

The 2008 Web Awards will consist of more than 30 categories; winners in each category will be chosen by a panel of web design and development experts based on special criteria and international standards. The judges will reveal their choices during an official dinner ceremony to be held on November 29 at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. The winning contenders will represent the UAE in the broader Pan Arab Web Awards competition, which will include regional winners from Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, and Yemen.

"The success of the previous editions of the UAE Awards has motivated us to expand the scope and goals of this important event," said Pierre Moukarzel, president and founder of Pan Arab Web Awards Academy.

"In this modern digital era where knowledge has emerged as a key agent for progress, websites have become primary sources of information and vital business tools. The distinctive and user-friendly design of websites helps project a positive corporate image. The Awards serve as a platform for participants to showcase their creativity and also allows us to promote the importance of respecting intellectual property rights."

With hundreds of websites expected to vie for top honours, organisers aim to surpass the success achieved by the competition during its 2007 run.

Applicants can apply through the website www.uaewebawards.org.