The 2nd annual du Social Media Awards, held in celebration of UAE National Day, recognise the UAE’s most innovative social media users, who use the internet to contribute to their community and spread messages of positivity. Entrants have until 6pm on 18 November to submit their application through the online form, which can be found at www.du.ae/nationalday  via computer and mobile.

Judging this year’s competition will be an expert panel, comprising eminent members of the Emirati community. They are:

· Dherar Belhoul, General Manager, Watani
As the General Manager of Watani, an organisation that aims to strengthen the sense of national identity amongst UAE nationals, Belhoul is keen to see social media used to emphasise the importance of being a responsible citizen, both online and offline.

· HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority - Shurooq
As a key leader of Sharjah’s growth and a member of several prestigious societies to encourage development in the UAE, HE Al Sarkal sees the UAE as a country where nothing is impossible. He believes life offers challenges that can be turned to valuable opportunities through leadership and team spirit – values he wishes to see emphasised through social media.

· Salem Buti Bel Youha, Director, Media Development and Innovation, Government of Dubai Media Office
No stranger to the UAE’s media, Bel Youha is an active figure in Dubai’s arts and culture movement. He oversees the official social media accounts of Government of Dubai Media Office and Dubai Press Club.

· Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du
As the head of du’s Brand and Communications department, Badri understands the power of social media and knows what it takes to communicate effectively. She has a keen interest in benefitting the UAE community through positive sustainable development.

The judges will review all entries to choose three nominees along with the winners for each category: the Social Responsibility Award, Best Video Content Award, Best Blogger Award, Best Social Supporter of Expo 2020 Award. The 12 nominees will compete against People’s Choice Award start from 20th November 2013.

Finalists for the People’s Choice Award will be announced on 25 November, at which point voting will open for the UAE to choose their favourite entrant.
Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du, said: “Social media presents us with a powerful opportunity to spread positive messages that uplift community spirit, and contribute to the benefit of the nation. Through our annual Social Media Awards, we are celebrating the members of our society who best represent the spirit of the Union through their digital communication. We are looking for entrants who create content that promotes patriotism, loyalty and national pride, nurturing a stronger sense of community in support of our leaderships’ achievements.” 

The du Social Media Awards were launched in 2012, to celebrate the UAE’s 41st National Day. Winners were selected who best represented the spirit of the nation through their use of social media.

To find out more about the du Social Media Awards, including eligibility and judging criteria, please visit www.du.ae/nationalday