Microsoft Corporation presented the Pan Arab IPR Media Awards 2007 at a gala ceremony held at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai.

Undersecretary, planning sector, Ministry of Economy, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, spoke at the event on behalf of the UAE Minister of Economy Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi and presented the winners with the awards.

Naushad Cherrayil (UAE), Fadi Ozone (UAE), Andrew Seymour (UAE), Osama Habib (Lebanon) and Sahar Zahran (Egypt) were the winners in the first category.

The second category winners were Mohammad Jabar (Saudi Arabia). Mohammad Abdul Rashid (UAE), Bashar Abu Lail (Qatar), Mohammad Hawamdeh (Jordan) and Nagi Gergawi (Egypt).

'Intellectual property is an important facet in the development of the Middle East, as it leads to industry development, especially in the IT sector; contributes to the economic prosperity of the community in general; and also facilitates our transition to knowledge-based economies,' said Alshihhi.

'Media in the Arab World play a crucial role in informing the public about the value of nurturing and safeguarding the creative, intellectual and artistic skills of our citizens, so that they receive the recognition they deserve,' added Alshihhi.

The Pan Arab IPR Media Awards was constituted to recognise the role played by the media in combating piracy and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights. The award also recognises media's efforts in shaping the perception of people about piracy and stimulating them to think and act in ways that will eventually contribute to curbing piracy and IPR violation.

'As countries in the Arab world gear up for the creation of robust digital economies, governments together with the private and public sector are working closely to create a business environment that is free of pirated products,' said IPR manager, Microsoft Gulf, Jawad Al Redha.Trade Arabia News Service