Dubai: Gulf News and its sister publication Xpress weekly swept the English media awards categories at the Global Village Awards ceremony in Dubai on Wednesday for its coverage of the cultural event over its 20 seasons.
Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented miniature Global Village crystal awards to award winners at a gala banquet attended by hundreds.
Gulf News chief reporter Derek Baldwin won the award for Best Article in an English Publication while the Xpress weekly won the award in the Best Coverage Dailies category. Anjana Kumar, staff reporter of the Xpress, received the award.
Ahmad Hussain Bin Eisa, Chief Operating Officer of Global Village, said: “We are thankful to all journalists, photographers, and media publications who have contributed and continue to actively contribute towards covering the activations of Global Village, ultimately resonating with an audience that is global in scope. The media awards for the 20th season have attracted a plethora of entries from media journalists who played a vital role in highlighting the essence of Global Village over the 159-day period.”
Extensive media coverage of Global Village’s major facelift in its 20th season was well received and weaved well into other major efforts by government and institutions, he said.
“We are proud to be a part of this leading Emirati brand and look forward to kicking off the next season with even higher standards of quality, safety, and innovation to provide visitors with a level of happiness that is in line with Dubai’s vision and wise leadership,” Bin Eisa said.
Other special guests were feted for their contributions to Global Village since it opened in 1977.
Organisers presented partner awards to Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Saeed Mohammad Al Naboodah, Amer Ali, Laila Suhail, Ebrahim Mohammad Saleh, Hussain Lootah, and Ebrahim Abdul Rahim.
Key government authorities were also recognised across the board ranging from Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority to Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
In a statement on Thursday, Global Village organisers said “these partners encompassed various investors who stood out in their presentation of innovative ideas that showcased the variety in the cultures, foods, and heritage of the 75 countries represented in Global Village’s pavilions.”
The Egyptian pavilion won the Best Pavilion award; the Chinese pavilion won the award for Best Pavilion Facade, the Palestinian pavilion won the Appreciation Award for Fast Execution, the Indian pavilion won the award for Best Organised Concert, the Best Pavilion Initiative award was awarded to Thailand, while the Best Pavilion Cultural Show was awarded to Turkey.
