ARIJ Awards for Arab Investigative Journalism

ARIJ Awards for Arab Investigative Journalism

Winners of ARIJ Awards for Arab Investigative Journalism 2025

Golden Award

Mahmoud ElSobky

The Fangs of Israel… How Europe supplies Israel with brutal canine weapons

A collaboration between ARIJ and The Guardian, revealing Israel’s use of dogs imported from European countries as weapons against Palestinian civilians, and the ethical and legal negligence of European companies that train and sell these dogs to Israel. Following publication, six members of the European Parliament submitted a formal inquiry to the EU High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission. Journalists Aziza Nofal in the West Bank and Zarifa Hassan in Gaza contributed to thie investigation.

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Silver Award

Salma Abdul Aziz and Ihab Zaidan

The Human Trap..Sudanese Refugees Falling Prey to Organized Criminal Gangs on the Border with Egypt

A joint investigation by ARIJ and Al-Muhajir platform documenting the violations suffered by Sudanese refugees who enter Egypt irregularly and fall prey to organized criminal groups.

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Bronze Award (shared)

Hamed Fathi

Shrapnel on the Altar .. Sudan’s Churches Caught in the Crossfire Between Two Warring Parties

A collaboration between ARIJ and Muwatin, this investigation reveals the responsibility of both sides of Sudan’s conflict for violations that may amount to war crimes.

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Bronze Award (shared)

Hassan al-Shanoun and Mizer Kamal

Deadly Deliveries In Iraq… The Hidden Face of Delivery Companies in Iraq

A collaboration between ARIJ and Jummar, this investigation uncovers the deadly risks faced by delivery drivers in Baghdad and exposes legal violations committed by delivery companies through their agents. A month after its publication, a set of regulatory and legislative measures was adopted to protect delivery drivers.

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Special Mention

Sami Subair

Farms Under Control… How an ‘Unlicensed Israeli App’ Threatens Morocco’s Sovereignty

Produced by the Moroccan platform Hawamich, this investigation reveals the exploitative terms imposed by an Israeli tech company operating in Morocco and the risks associated with collecting sensitive agricultural and crop data stored on servers in Israel.

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Nominated Investigations

Jana Al-Dahibi

The Smuggling "Mafia" Between Lebanon and Syria: Border Crossing Not Affected by the Fall of the Assad Regime

An ARIJ investigation that documents smuggling operations across the Lebanese–Syrian border through illegal crossings that were never closed or controlled, even after the fall of the Assad regime.

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Nominated Investigations

Mohamed Abozeid

Slaughterhouse Waste in Egypt: Mismanagement Causing Environmental Disasters

Produced by Nawa Media in collaboration with Muwatin, this investigation documents the environmental hazards caused by improper disposal of slaughterhouse wastewater into sewage systems and freshwater channels in Egypt.

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Nominated Investigations

Najm Al-Dain Qasem

Yemeni Gulag in Russia… Yemeni Youth Forcibly Fighting on the Ukrainian Front

An ARIJ investigation that traces how Yemenis were recruited to fight in Ukraine on behalf of the Russian army after being deceived by Al-Jabri Company with false job offers. Following its publication, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) listed the company in the investigation among designated supporters of terrorism.

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Nominated Investigations

Ola Al-Omlah

Freedom Denied… Psychiatric patients trapped inside the forensic ward of “Al-Fuheis” Hospital in Jordan

An ARIJ investigation that exposes the harsh and unlawful conditions faced by psychiatric patients, in direct violation of United Nations guidelines and recommendations.

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Nominated Investigations

Sara Abo Shady

The Russian Trap: Recruiting Egyptians with the Lure of Money and Nationality

Produced by Masrawy, this investigation uncovers a network recruiting young Arabs, especially Egyptians, to fight on the frontlines of the Russia–Ukraine war, prolonging a conflict now approaching its fourth year.

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For the sixteenth consecutive year, ARIJ launches its annual awards to honor outstanding investigative journalism from the Arab world. The awards celebrate the integrity and professionalism of journalists who continue to uphold high editorial standards despite difficult and often challenging conditions, especially in the Arab region.

Who Can Apply?

The award is open to all Arab journalists—whether based in the Arab region or abroad—who have produced investigative stories in Arabic, regardless of whether they were published with ARIJ or another entity.

Submitted investigations must be in Arabic and must have been published or broadcast between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for the full list of criteria.

What formats are accepted?

All formats are accepted. This includes: written, audio, television, digital, or any other format. Judging will be based on content quality, format, and professional standards.

This year, a new category has been added: Investigative Reporting on Disinformation.

Award Categories:

  • Gold Award Gold Award for Best Arab Investigative Report
  • medal bronze Silver Award for Best Arab Investigative Report
  • medal silver Bronze Award for Best Arab Investigative Report
  • Best Investigative Report on Disinformation

Judging
Committee

Nadia Al-Sakkaf

Nadia Al-Sakkaf

Political Expert & Researcher
Nawaf Al Tamimi

Nawaf Al Tamimi

Academic & Media Consultant
Nazeeha Saeed

Nazeeha Saeed

Journalist & Trainer
Rasha Faek

Rasha Faek

Managing Editor
Ahmad Ibeidah

Ahmad Ibeidah

Anchor & Producer

Pre-selection Committee

Munir Khatib

Munir Khatib

Editor-in-Chief

Hoda Osman

Hoda Osman

Executive Editor

Ethar Azem

Ethar Azem

Executive Editor

Timeline

  • May 3, 2025

    Call for entries opens

  • August 31, 2025

    Deadline to submit entries

  • November 24, 2025

    Announcement of the 10 shortlisted investigations

  • December 7, 2025

    Announcement of the winners during the 18th ARIJ Forum in Amman, Jordan