BBC scoops Arabic web trophy

Hosam Sokkari [right] receives the award

By BBC Arabic Online producer Kifah Arif

BBC Arabic Online has been named as the best Arab language website for the second year running.

The award was made as part of the information technology show Gitex held in Dubai.

We are delighted to win this award for our news content

Hosam Sokkari, BBCArabic.com

"The recognition that BBCArabic.com has built amongst Arab users is the result of our commitment to provide the Arabic-speaking online community with up-to-the-minute, balanced information and news, as accurately as possible," said the head of BBCArabic.com Hosam Sokkari.

"We are delighted to win this award for our news content," pointing out that the prize came as a surprise to the team who did not know that the site had been shortlisted.

The award ceremony, hosted by the Middle East publishing company, ITP, included other categories such as Best Arabic Web Services, Best Arabic Web Product and Best Product for the Arabic Educational Market.

'Value of content'

BBCArabic.com won the award from a shortlist of three nominees, who were selected by a judging panel of computer experts and editors from various computer publications.

The site was chosen for accuracy of reporting and information value of content

Walid Akawi, Windows User Magazine

Publisher of Windows User Magazine Middle East and member of the panel, Walid Akawi, said: "The site was chosen for the Best Arabic Online Content Provider award based on two main criteria: accuracy of reporting and information value of content."

Windows User Magazine Middle East is an ITP publication from The Information & Technology Publishing Company, with monthly editions in both Arabic and English.

BBCArabic.com is the only Arabic online news content provider that offers a fully integrated radio service as well as video streaming capability.

The site also provides a gateway to the BBC's multimedia portfolio of over 40 languages. The BBC has been broadcasting in Arabic to the Middle East for over 60 years.