SINGAPORE — Okaz has won the Best Youth-Focused Initiative award at the 2025 Asian Media Awards organized by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the largest global organization representing news media institutions.

The win recognizes Okaz’s pioneering project in specialized coverage of esports, which successfully engaged young audiences with modern digital storytelling tools that match the evolving landscape of media consumption.

The judging panel praised the project for its innovation and effective use of digital platforms to build an interactive relationship with readers.

Winners were honored during an official ceremony held Wednesday in Singapore, attended by senior global media leaders and decision-makers in digital publishing. Majid Al-Mufadli, Director of Information Technology, received the award on behalf of the organization.

Okaz Editor-in-Chief Jameel Altheyabi said the award reflects the newspaper’s leadership, evolution, and commitment to covering major transformations taking place in Saudi Arabia, particularly issues relevant to the Kingdom’s youth.

He added that Okaz continues to reap the rewards of its editorial and technological advancements, supported by Chairman Abdullah Saleh Kamel, who has personally sponsored the training of several Saudi journalists.

Abdullah Al-Hassoun, General Manager of Okaz Organization for Press and Publication, said the award adds to the institution’s record of achievements and is part of broader initiatives aimed at expanding readership and reaching new audience segments.

Saudi Gazette, published by Okaz Organization, recently won the Media Leader of the Year award at the Athar Festival for Creativity, received by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Anas Al-Yusuf.