NNA - Issued by the Media Office of the May Chidiac Foundation – Media Institute:
The May Chidiac Foundation held the 13th edition of its prestigious annual ceremony honoring journalists and media professionals, distinguished by its elegant blue-and-gold theme, for the third time in Dubai.
The event took place at the Hilton Dubai – Al Habtoor Cityand recognized outstanding contributions to journalism and media in the region and around the world for the year 2025. The prestigious ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of ambassadors, prominent figures from the worlds of business, politics, media, arts, and social affairs, along with a remarkable gathering of friends and distinguished guests.
Former Minister Dr. May Chidiac, founder and president of the May Chidiac Foundation (MCF), opened the ceremony with a speech that began with a warm greeting from the land of Dubai—a place she described as a “haven where dreams come true.” She expressed heartfelt gratitude for this annual gathering, now in its third consecutive year, and voiced her pride in the role the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region continue to play in strengthening their engagement with the Middle East.
She reflected on a past period of estrangement, referring to it as a “divorce” brought about by the dominance of a particular axis, whose influence sought to strip the region of its Arab identity. Dr. Chidiac affirmed that, while the transformations currently unfolding across the Arab world are still in their early stages, they inspire hope and signal the potential for meaningful progress in the areas of freedom and political openness.
She noted that the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic, along with the formation of a reform-oriented government, marks a new chapter for Lebanon—a country that, despite the fierce winds of betrayal, remains resilient. Neither storms nor wars can extinguish its spirit, as it continues to pulse with freedom and culture.
Dr. Chidiac paid tribute to the journalists and citizens who bravely stood against injustice by speaking the truth, many of whom made great sacrifices in defense of freedom. She also expressed deep concern over the rising threats facing journalists amid global conflicts and evolving technological challenges, particularly the implications of artificial intelligence.
In her remarks, Dr. May Chidiac underscored the May ChidiacFoundation’s steadfast belief in the noble mission of journalism. She affirmed that free media can never be silenced and emphasized that human dignity will always remain the Foundation’s foremost priority.
She expressed her pride in the training programs provided by the Foundation, which have benefited hundreds of participants in the field of professional journalism. She emphasized the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to embracing the digital revolution, championing women’s rights, and showcasing their genuine and influential achievements.
She also highlighted the significance of this annual ceremony, noting that it has become a permanent fixture on the global media calendar. Since its inception, the Foundation has honored more than 70 journalists and media professionals. She added, “Our ceremony today is not just an occasion to celebrate excellence, but a moment to reaffirm our belief that media is our civilized weapon against injustice and ignorance.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to all members of the MCF Board of Trustees for their steadfast support and dedication to the Foundation’s mission, noting that in today’s world, remaining committed to one’s principles has become a courageous endeavor in itself.
In closing, she expressed her sincere gratitude to the Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Mr. Fouad Chehab Dandan, and to the Lebanese Consul in Dubai, H.E. Mr. Assaf Doumit, for their generous support and warm encouragement. She also offered special thanks to a man known for his generosity and vision, Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, for graciously hosting the event at his resort.
The ceremony was hosted by Algerian journalist Sami Kasmi from Sky News Arabia, alongside Jordanian journalist Nouf Hijazi from Al Arabiya Business. The event included a series of video reports prepared by journalist Marianne Zouein.
The evening featured the presentation of prestigious awards to a distinguished group of Arab and international media professionals, recognized for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the fields of journalism and media.
The first award of the year was a special token of appreciation in the category of MCF Special Recognition for Pioneering Leadership in the Media Industry Award. It was exceptionally presented to one of the most distinguished members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Ali Jaber, Chief Content Officer of MBC Group and Shahid. The award was presented by MCF Executive Board Member and former Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ghassan Hasbani, and former Minister H.E. Dr. May Chidiac.
In his speech on the occasion, Mr. Ali Jaber expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him by his homeland, where words are valued, and truth is celebrated. He acknowledged that this recognition came from a foundation led by May Chidiac, a symbol of resilience, courage, and the boldness of speaking the truth in the face of power and influence. These are values that the MCF Foundation strives to promote worldwide and are still greatly needed in the Arab world. Jaber concluded by stating that he did not consider himself deserving of the award, as the true recipients are those who paid a heavy price in the pursuit of truth, such as Dr. Chidiac, Gibran, and Samir.
The MCF Excellence in Media Award was presented to Ms. Mina Al-Oraibi, a distinguished Iraqi journalist based in the United Arab Emirates. She currently holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at The National newspaper. The award was presented to her by Mr. Raja Trad, Senior Advisor to the CEO of Publicis Group for the Middle East and Turkey, and global journalist and broadcaster Ms. Baria Alamuddin, a columnist for Arab News.
Journalist Mina Al-Oraibi expressed her deep gratitude for the honor, paying tribute to the influential role of journalist BariaAlamuddin, who served as a role model during the early days of her career at Al-Hayat newspaper in London. Al-Oraibiemphasized the importance of recognizing journalists who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth and underscored the media's responsibility in amplifying the voices of the voiceless—particularly in relation to the Palestinian cause and the broader struggles of Arab nations. She also spoke about the growing challenges facing journalism in the age of rapid technological advancement, stressing that credibility and integrity must remain at the heart of the profession. Al-Oraibiconcluded by expressing her heartfelt thanks to her family, teachers, and colleagues, all of whom played a significant role in strengthening her command of the Arabic language and supporting her professional development.
The MCF Antoine Choueiri’s Special Tribute for Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025 was presented to Dr. Nabeel Alkhatib, General Manager of Asharq News. He received the award from Mr. Pierre Antoine Choueiri, Chairman of Choueiri Group, and Ms. Maha Shair, member of the MCF Executive Board, entrepreneur, and former journalist with Jordan Television.
In his speech, Dr. Nabeel Alkhatib expressed deep admiration for Dr. May Chidiac’s journey, noting that she—and the foundation she leads—represent a profound responsibility and an inspiring legacy that motivates others to follow the same path. He emphasized the importance of this example, particularly in light of the significant challenges we face both in the region and on a personal level. He stressed that what truly matters is how we confront these challenges—even when doing so requires great personal sacrifice—and how we can transform adversity into triumph, becoming a beacon for others. This, he said, is precisely what the MCF Foundation has achieved. He concluded with a smile, saying he often tells his colleagues that he considers himself fortunate, as it was the unexpected turns and the realities he encountered along the way that brought him to this moment.
For the second consecutive year, and in response to evolving trends and the growing influence of social media, the MCF Vision in Content Development Award was presented to recognize innovation in content creation. This year, the award went to the UAE-based platform BLINX, founded by journalist Nakhle El Hage. Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was Mr. Eil Al Andary, Executive Editor and Head of Content at BLINX. He received the award from Mr. MogensSchmidt, member of the MCF Executive Board, former Director of UNESCO’s Field Office, and Chairman of the Regional Media Institute in Ukraine, along with Mr. Akram Miknas, Chairman of Promoseven.
Al Andary expressed his belief that this moment is, at its core, a collective one—representing the result of a shared effort. He stated that the Blinx platform exemplifies this concept, as it brings together the credibility and strength of traditional newsrooms with the spirit of creativity and innovation. He reflected on how, like many others, he grew up with the belief that journalists should dictate what to tell the audience, how to tell it, and in what format. However, his experience at Blinxtransformed that understanding. There, he realized that it is the younger generation—today’s youth—who truly hold the compass. They were the ones who taught him how to create content in a way that reflects their fresh, distinctive approach.
In recognition of excellence in broadcast journalism, the MCF Outstanding Media Performance Award was presented to Saudi journalist, Ms. Sarah Dundarawy, host of the program "Tafaoulcom" on Al Arabiya. The award was presented by H.E. Mr. Fouad Chehab Dandan, Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE, and Mr. Edouard Monin, member of the MCF Executive Board and Chairman and CEO of Ipsos for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Journalist Sarah Dundarawy expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to her education and shaped her professional journey. She highlighted a poignant moment that holds great significance for her—the coincidence of her recognition with that of Dr. Nabeel Alkhatib, who was the first to teach her how to write a news story. Sarah emphasized that journalism is a rewarding profession because it enables journalists to amplify their voices. However, she also recognized that it carries a tremendous responsibility. She makes it a point to remind herself every day of both the privilege and the responsibility of her role, striving to live up to them.
In a unique and heartfelt tribute this year—and as a symbolic gesture to honor all journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth and in covering wars and human suffering—the MCF Exceptional Courage in Journalism Award for Life Sacrifices was posthumously awarded to the late renowned British journalist Marie Colvin. Colvin, a war correspondent for The Sunday Times, was deliberately targeted by the Assad regime while reporting on the war in Syria, where she tragically lost her life in 2012. The award was accepted on her behalf by her sister, Ms. Cathleen Colvin, who traveled from the United States for the occasion. The award was presented by acclaimed journalist, Ms. Becky Anderson, host of Connect the World with Becky Anderson on CNN International, and Mr. Osman Sultan, CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company(du).
Journalist Becky Anderson stated that Marie Colvin was armed—not with weapons, but with words that cut through the fog of war. She noted that Colvin lost her left eye while reporting from the front lines, yet never flinched in the face of danger. Anderson added that although the regime that took her life has since fallen, her voice continues to resonate more powerfully than ever. She concluded by saying that Colvin didn’t just chronicle history—she became a part of it.
Cathleen Colvin expressed her pride in accepting the award on behalf of her late sister, Marie, and extended her heartfelt thanks to the May Chidiac Foundation for this powerful and meaningful tribute. She affirmed that Marie would have been deeply honored by the recognition and shared that she continues to miss her every single day. Cathleen stressed that journalism has become increasingly dangerous—not only due to war zones, but also because of the growing challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. She underscored the vital role the Foundation plays in defending the truth and expressed her sincere gratitude to all those who supported the event.
The 2025 MCF Engaged Journalist Award was presented to Ms. Pascale Bourgaux, a Belgian war correspondent, writer, and filmmaker who has reported from numerous conflict zones, including the wars in Syria and Afghanistan. Bourgaux received the award from the Belgian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Mr. Antoine Delcourt, and Ms. OuidedBouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and member of the MCF Advisory Council.
Pascale Bourgaux expressed her heartfelt thanks to Dr. May Chidiac and her foundation’s team, deeply moved by receiving the Engaged Journalism Award. She described commitment as the essence of her professional journey. Bourgaux dedicated the award to the suffering and marginalized women of Afghanistan and Syria—especially those who have endured torture and rape—as well as to the Yazidi women of Iraq, who were victimized twice. She emphasized that the award honors the ongoing struggle of all women fighting for dignity and rights.
The ceremony also featured a touching tribute to the late journalist Sobhi Otri, who, in his final voice message, had expressed hope to receive the foundation’s award in the coming year. His life was tragically cut short, but though he is gone, his legacy lives on and will not be forgotten.
The 2025 MCF Media Awards Ceremony featured captivating performances by pop star Ramy Ayach, renowned musician and composer, Guy Manoukian, and actress and singer, Manel Mallat, all contributing to an elegant and outstanding artisticperformance.
The event was directed by Bassem Christo, with Carla AadChahine serving as executive producer.
About MCF and the MCF Media Institute:
The May Chidiac Foundation – Media Institute is a non-profit organization committed to advancing research and education in the areas of media freedom, democracy, human rights, and women’s empowerment. The foundation also focuses on promoting good governance, combating corruption, and highlighting the vital role of mediation in peacebuilding. Through its diverse activities, MCF aims to bridge the gap between academic education and the practical needs of the job market by offering specialized training programs.
Since 2011, the foundation’s Media Institute (MCF Media Institute) has been dedicated to supporting graduates and enhancing the skills of media professionals by utilizing the latest technologies. In 2016, the foundation launched the Academy of Leadership and Applied Communication (ALAC), an officially accredited institution in Lebanon, which offers professional certification programs in a range of fields, including journalism, entrepreneurship, marketing, public relations, and communication arts.
