By IANS/WAM,
Dubai: The 12th edition of the Arab Journalism Award (AJA) was held on the closing day of the two-day Arab Media Forum here.
The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners.
A special award was given to Khalfan Mohamed Al Roumi, chairman of the AJA board for his efforts and contributions to propel the award to prominence.
The media personality of the year 2013 award went to Hamdi Qandeel, an Egyptian author, lecturer, diplomat and political activist who has dedicated his career to Arab media and defending Arab causes.
The best columnist went to Hazen Sagheya of Lebanon, while the investigative reporting award went to Abdul Wahab Aleiwa of Al Wafd.
Other categories were Economic Journalism, Political Journalism, Press Interviews Journalism, Humanitarian Journalism, Sport Journalism, Best Picture, Outstanding Cartoon.
Competition was fierce in this year’s edition of the award which received more than 4,000 submissions.