AURAK Secures Dual Accolades at Dubai Lynx Awards
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has earned prestigious recognition as University of the Year and secured the Best Short Film Award, celebrating the exceptional calibre of its Media and Communication programme.
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has achieved remarkable distinction at the Dubai Lynx Awards, garnering recognition as University of the Year whilst simultaneously securing the Best Short Film Award. These prestigious accolades underscore the university’s steadfast commitment to cultivating creative excellence and producing graduates of exceptional capability within the fields of media and communication.
The twin honours represent a significant milestone for AURAK’s School of Arts and Sciences, reflecting the institution’s dedication to nurturing talent that flourishes across the full spectrum of communication disciplines. The University of the Year designation emerged from AURAK’s extraordinary representation across the student competition categories, with students gaining recognition for work spanning filmmaking, advertising, public relations, campaign development and integrated communication.
Complementing this institutional achievement, student Ali Al Suwaidi earned the Best Short Film Award for his compelling work, The Unheard Voices. This film examines the frequently invisible contributions of women working creatively behind the music that audiences encounter, bringing attention to the gender imbalance within music production and advocating for enhanced visibility and opportunities for women working in this sector.
Prof. Rachel Matar, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at AURAK, reflected upon the accomplishments: “These two distinctions represent a significant achievement for our students and our Media and Communication programme. Being recognised as University of the Year demonstrates the breadth and consistency of our students’ capabilities, whilst the Best Short Film Award highlights the quality of their individual creative work.”
A distinctive strength of AURAK’s Media and Communication programme lies in its thoughtful integration of creative production with strategic communication. Students develop practical expertise in filmmaking, visual storytelling and digital media alongside advertising, public relations, branding, audience analysis and comprehensive campaign strategy, emerging as well-rounded practitioners equipped for diverse professional contexts.
The Dubai Lynx Awards celebrate excellence in advertising, creative communications and brand storytelling throughout the region, evolving alongside the industry to reflect the shifting creative landscape of the Middle East and North Africa whilst recognising work capable of establishing regional benchmarks and competing upon the international stage.
Source: WAM