#Abu Dhabi #Global South #UAE #Viory #Video Awards

The Dawn of a New Era: Global South Video News Awards

On December 11, 2025, the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi became the stage for a groundbreaking event—the inaugural Global South Video News Awards presented by Viory, a video news agency representing the Global South. This ceremony recognized the extraordinary contributions of video journalists who illuminate the diverse narratives of their regions with precision and clarity.

Mai Maxwell, known for her engaging persona as a media personality, hosted the event. The audience was a rich mix of representatives from major broadcasting agencies, talented video journalists, and influential figures from various sectors within the Global South. The awards not only honored individual talents but also emphasized the growing significance of regional stories in global discourse.

The partnership for the awards showcased a commendable effort from UAE institutions, including the Emirates News Agency (WAM) and the University of Sharjah, alongside international media organizations like the African Union of Broadcasting and TeleSUR. The prominent attendance of the UAE Association of Journalists highlighted the collaborative spirit vital for nurturing media excellence.

In a stirring keynote address, Alex Kobia, African Distribution Lead at Viory, emphasized that the Global South is no longer a narrative in development; it has arrived. “These stories deserve to be told accurately, with depth and integrity,” he stressed, underlining the necessity of verified visual journalism—a critical need in an era marred by rapid change and misinformation. Kobia passionately articulated Viory’s commitment to supporting over 3,000 journalists who are dedicated to bringing clarity and truth to audiences worldwide.

Shahd Alabdouli, a Content Creator from the UAE, shared poignant reflections from her humanitarian work in conflict zones such as Al-Arish, Syria. Her narrative underscored the importance of visual journalism in upholding dignity and amplifying the voices of those often unheard. She reminded the audience that at the heart of every story lies a shared humanity.

A panel of more than 20 distinguished judges from key international media players assessed submissions for the awards. The prestigious winners included:

• - Best Cinematography: Maxi Jonas
• - Most Creative Shot: Enrique Ortiz
• - Exclusive Lens Award: Masoud Al Jarousha
• - Vital Footage Award: Ernest Dela Aglanu

These accolades serve to inspire a new generation of storytellers committed to excellence and authenticity in their craft. The evening culminated in a strong reaffirmation from Viory, emphasizing its dedication to championing credible reporting and fortifying journalist communities. The organization is resolute in ensuring that vital stories from the Global South receive the attention they richly deserve.

Notes for Editors

ABOUT VIORY

Viory is a video news agency focusing on the Global South, committed to strengthening and disseminating diverse perspectives from this vital region. Its rapid growth is anchored in its base in Abu Dhabi, where a team of seasoned news professionals work diligently to provide clients with exclusive content and resources to narrate comprehensive stories. With a library boasting over 180,000 videos—including 65 new daily additions—Viory is a vital resource for news ranging from politics to economy and culture. Viory's digital platform also offers more than 400 hours of live streams monthly across six languages, featuring insights directly from the ground.

The reach of Viory extends to all including international media companies and regional news agencies, ensuring that critical content is widely accessible.