Abu dhabi: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority (NMA), has received three prestigious awards from Venice's international Golden Lion Award: the Golden Lion for Merit, the Golden Horse Award for Excellence in Media, and the Historic Golden Shield of the Government of Venice. These accolades were presented by Italy's Golden Lion Foundation and Academy, acknowledging his significant contributions to media development and the promotion of humanitarian values.
According to Emirates News Agency, the award jury selected Al Hamed for his pioneering role and lasting impact in media, culture, law, peace, and sports. The ceremony took place at the NMA's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by notable figures such as Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, and Dr. Abdallah Raweh, Honorary President of the Salerno Medical School. The high-level delegation included Dr. Luz Adriana Sarcinelli and Dr. Pierpaolo Zagnoni, Vice Presidents of the Golden Lion Award.
Abdulla Al Hamed expressed that the recognition transcends individual success, highlighting the UAE's media sector's excellence under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He emphasized the strong support from His Highness, who has prioritized excellence and leadership to foster human development and societal awareness, promoting the UAE's civilizational message globally.
He noted that the Golden Lion award serves as motivation for future innovation and excellence, driven by leadership's trust and aspirations. On behalf of the UAE media sector, Al Hamed expressed pride in the recognition, crediting the sector as partners in producing high-quality content that reflects the UAE's progressive image internationally.
In a televised address, Dr. Sileno Candelaresi, President of the Leone d'Oro, praised Al Hamed for embodying modern institutional responsibility and fostering intercultural dialogue during transformative global times. The award committee recognized his strategic vision in balancing innovation, responsibility, and human values.