DUBAI, Feb 20th, 2006 (WAM) - Dubai Media City today announced the fifthedition of the Ibda'a Media Student Awards, its annual awards programmethat seeks to identify, recognize and foster young media talent from aroundthe world.

Starting from today, Dubai Media City is inviting entries from mediastudents in ten award categories: Animation, TV Documentary, Film Feature,Print Advertising, TV Advertising, Graphic Design, Analogue Photography,Digital Photography, Journalism (Non News), and Radio. This year, therules have been eased to allow a student to submit more than one entryin each category, according to a press release.

The highlight of this year's Ibda'a is a special award for an outstandingentry from a student in a UAE University.

"Ibda'a, this year, promises to unearth even more exceptional talentfrom around the world. This year's campaign will reach out to a wide crosssection of universities in key markets. The campaign has been plannedon a huge scale to attract extensive participation," said Mohamed Al Mulla,Director of Dubai Media City and coordinator general of Ibda'a Media StudentAwards.

The Ibda'a Media Student Awards were launched by Dubai Media City inJune 2001 under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh MohammedBin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Rulerof Dubai.

Since then, each year, the Awards have attracted a multitude of entriesfrom the region and across the world and identified some gems of studentmedia talent.

Ibda'a's international campaign will see it conducting road-shows in21 countries - United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, UAE andthe GCC countries, Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka,Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

Dubai Media City will continue its strong association with the InternationalAdvertising Association (IAA) - UAE Chapter in organizing the Awards.

"Over the past few years, Ibda'a has developed into a wonderful showcasefor young talent from around the world," said Tanvir Kanji, Presidentof the International Advertising Agency (IAA), UAE Chapter.

Ibda'a this year has received tremendous support from the corporate world.

Companies sponsoring the Awards include ARN, BBC, Dubai Studio City, DubaiPress Club, Emirates Bank, Motivate Publishing, Radisson SAS Hotel (DMC),Showtime, Seven Star Events & Productions and Virgin.

The deadline for all entries to this year's Ibda'a Awards is March 15,2006. As in previous years, this year's edition will also have three judgingrounds. Following the deadline, a preliminary screening will eliminateentries that do not meet entry requirements.

The second round of judging on 17 March 2006 will shortlist a minimumof three and maximum of five finalists in each category.

A final round of judging, to be held on 15 April 2006, will select onewinner from each category. An exhibition of the finalists' work will beheld from 23 to 25 April 2006. The winners will be announced and honouredat a high profile Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on the night of 25 April2006. Apart from elegant trophies, winners will receive prizes that includeinternships with leading global media brands.

Judges presiding over the contest include key regional media personalitiesand representatives from internationally prominent media companies.