Murdoch University Dubai Communication students have been nominated for four out of the five spots at the Middle East Public Relations (MEPRA) Awards 2024.

The four students have been nominated for the ‘Outstanding Student Campaign’ category. The winner will be announced at the black-tie gala ceremony at the Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai on 28 November 2024.

The finalists from Murdoch University Dubai are Hiya Kathuria; Arvy Moga, Jared Rallos, Aastha Kurup (with an additional individual submission); and Rea Marwaha.

This year, for its 16th edition of the awards, 770 entries were received for the 53 categories and were judged by a distinguished panel of 130 industry leaders and veterans. An esteemed adjudication panel of five regional and international members ensured that only the most deserving candidates and agencies were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Professor Peter Waring, Pro Vice Chancellor Transnational Education, Singapore Dean and Acting Dubai Dean said the nominations were well deserved and testament to the quality teaching.

“Murdoch University is extremely proud of Hiya Kathuria, Arvy Marinelle, Jared Rallos, Aastha Kurup, Rea Marwaha who have taken four of the five nominations of the Middle East Public Relations Awards 2024 in the ‘Outstanding Student Campaign’ category.

"The students’ success is a great credit to their mentor and lecturer Mr Joseph Nalloor and all the dedicated media faculty.”

Joseph John Nalloor, Associate Dean Engagement and discipline lead of Media and Communication at Murdoch University Dubai, said industry partnerships have helped the students gain real-world experience which has led them to this achievement.

We’re incredibly proud that our students have swept four of the five finalist nominations for this prestigious MEPRA award.

"It’s a testament to the strong industry-academic partnership that we have in place for providing our communication students with valuable real-world inputs.”

MEPRA Chairperson Kate Midttun congratulated the finalists for their creativity and teamwork.

"Your selection as finalists is credited to compelling campaigns, synchronized teamwork, and creativity.

"The transformative work accomplished in the year gone by has been incredibly impactful and our judging panel had a tough time narrowing down the best from the best!

"It is exhilarating to watch the bar raised every edition where the roles of campaigners and communicators are evolving significantly. We experienced thorough research, meticulous implementation, and innovative approaches across categories that are genuinely inspiring.”

Weber Shandwick is the official partner of MEPRA Awards 2024 as the Diamond Partner for the third consecutive year. The much-anticipated awards ceremony has also onboard MSL Group Middle East, Action Global Communications, and Memac Ogilvy as Platinum Partners. Supporting partners include CARMA, Edelman, Mubadala, TECOM Group Dubai, SEC Newgate Middle East, TrailRunner International, and Burson.