The Arab Journalism Awards for 2010, the region’s most prestigious media honours, has received more than 3,500 submissions for all 12 categories, representing a 13 per cent increase over the entries received in 2009.

“The total number of highly innovative and unique submissions from across the Arab world reflects the increasing appeal of the most coveted recognition for journalism in the region,” said Muna Bu Samra, deputy manager, Arab Journalism Awards.

“In addition, the number of entries in the Young Journalist category reiterates the interest of the youth in the media industry,” she added.

The Dubai Press Club, general-secretariat for the Arab Journalism Awards, today (April 24) released the names of 38 nominees across 10 award categories.

The ten categories include investigative reporting, press interviews journalism, specialized journalism, cultural criticism, economic journalism, political journalism, sports journalism, photo journalism, outstanding cartoon works and the young journalist.

While each category has three nominees, AJA 2010 has shortlisted six nominees for the Young Journalist category, which attracted the maximum number of submissions.

Winners in all categories as well as the best newspaper column and media personality of the year will be honoured at an event that will mark the conclusion of the ninth edition of the Arab Media Forum that will be held at the Atlantis-Palm Hotel Dubai on May 12 and 13. – TradeArabia News Service