Dubai: Nominations for the recently launched Arab Social Media Award (ASMA) will begin from June 29, Gulf News has learnt.

Entry for the first ASMA, announced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is free for all residents of the 22 Arab countries.

According to information provided by the organisers, any person can nominate himself or any other individual through the award website arabsocialmediaaward.ae from June 29 to August 21.

Shaikh Mohammad launched the award on Sunday to reward those who harness the potential of social media for the good of the Arab world. Among the objectives of the awards is to create interaction and encourage communication on social media channels. Encouraging creative thinking that contributes to the development of various sectors in the community, is also among the stated objectives.

Also part of the objectives is to utilise social media channels to increase awareness on the issues of concern to the Arab community and increase awareness on the best ways to use social networks and encourage the optimal and responsible usage of social media channels.

The awards are open for both individuals and organisations and any project created or published between May 1, 2013, and May 31, 2014, is eligible for entry.

According to the award website among the criteria for the eligibility of the work is that some of the work related to the project must be carried out during this time frame, but it is not necessary for it to have been completed during the eligibility period — the project or campaign can be ongoing, but it should not have started before May 1, 2013.

Of the 20 categories are ‘Personality of the Year,’ Government Sector, Private Sector, Blogs, Media, Sports, Tolerance, CSR, Education, Youth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Economy, Politics, Health, Art, Safety and Security, Shopping, Tourism and Entertainment.

Up to two entries are allowed per individual but the same entry is not allowed in more than one categories.

Three candidates in each of the categories will be shortlisted based on four criteria — relevance, exposure, engagement and creativity — each of which will be measured on 25 per cent.

Shaikh Mohammad, who himself is an active user of social media with vibrant Facebook and Twitter accounts followed by thousands of people around the world, said at the launch of the award that social media was now fundamental to the social, economic and political fabric of the Arab world and played a key role in shaping events.

Shaikh Mohammad also has a lively website, which is constantly updated and is a good source of information about his life, his literary works, the Al Maktoum family as well as the history of Dubai.

“Social media influencers are important change-makers in society. Those who bring wisdom, creativity and positivity are a powerful force for good, because social media are powerful tools for development and progress,” he said following the launch of the award.

“The Arab world has not yet made the most of the enormously positive potential of social media. This prize will highlight successful examples and use them as a basis to maximise the benefits for society,” Shaikh Mohammad added.

Shaikh Mohammad directed the Executive Office to organise and supervise the award and ensure its integrity. A committee including experts and sector specialists will evaluate applications and select the winner for each category.

Submissions have to be made exclusively online on www.arabsocialmediaaward.ae where one can submit all the required information about the project and upload the necessary supporting documents.