(MEBG) – Dubai Internet City (DIC) has announced a new web competition, the UAE Webstar, which will award a star status to homegrown pioneers in the Internet and e-commerce, and especially those who have displayed innovation and creativity in web design.
The annual awards will acknowledge excellence in the fields of information websites, e-commerce, enabled B2C web sites, B2B sites, portals and government websites. Each category will be subdivided into English and Arabic.
"Through this competition we want to give web pioneers the opportunity to have their work recognized. There is a lot of latent creative energy, which we want to nurture and tap through this competition. We expect the UAE Webstar to spur and catalyze web development in the UAE," said Adan Abdulkarim Julfar from the Community Development Department.
Applications for the competition first became available on July 11, and can be submitted until mid-September. Companies and individuals are free to improve their sites during this period, Julfar said. Only sites hosted in the UAE are eligible and entrants must have valid trade licences. For sites set up by individuals, rather than companies, contestants must be UAE residents.
The winners will be announced by late October or early November on the basis of five criteria: eficiency in meeting costumers’ needs, content relevancy and appeal, surfing facility, visual design and technogical perform.
Winners will be selected by DIC in conjunction with the new Emirates Internet Association (EIA) which was formed under the umbrella of DIC, as well as external business and leading web professionals.
Winners will be awarded a trophy and a "seal of excellence," which can be displayed on their website and used in all their marketing communications. No cash prizes will be awarded.
