Expat Media is available online via expatmedia.net and in print via Expat Media Special Edition magazine. EXPAT MEDIA

Expat Media has been awarded as Best UAE News and Entertainment Platform for 2025 in the prestigious UAE Business Awards, a major recognition of the platform’s journalistic impact, innovation, and service to the expatriate community. The ninth annual awards, organized by MEA Markets, recognize “groundbreaking startups to industry giants” across various sectors. Expat Media stood out for its strong community focus, award-winning journalism, and consistent growth in the UAE media landscape. “We are celebrating the excellence, vision and resilience and the defining qualities that have propelled the UAE to the forefront of the global business innovation,” the awards committee said. According to the judges, Expat Media was evaluated on performance, longevity, diversification, innovation, stakeholder feedback, and community impact. Expat Media's strong public service mission and diverse coverage were key factors in securing the accolade. This latest win adds to Expat Media’s growing list of awards, including recognition from the Sharjah Labor Standards Development Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Outstanding Media Service. It was also awarded the Innovator in Digital Media Content award at the Global Filipino Icon Awards and was honored in the Women in Power Awards by Events4Change UAE for its contributions to public service through journalism. “The UAE-based media company is managed by a group of strong and committed public service women who are instrumental in keeping the public informed and updated on current events and policies,” organizers said.

From bold idea to trusted platform

Since launching in 2016, Expat Media has grown from a digital startup to a full-fledged media group with an active online portal, expatmedia.net, a widely circulated print magazine Expat Media Special Edition, and community-driven initiatives. “We wanted to give expats a voice and create content that resonates with their unique experiences,” said Mars Yabut De los Santos, CEO, Executive Editor and owner. A veteran journalist and PR expert with more than two decades of experience and recipient of the Journalism Award from Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, De los Santos’ leadership has transformed a bold vision into a media institution that is both impactful and influential. Expat Media has published exclusive interviews with personalities like Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdulla Al Qasimi and Kris Fade, and has spotlighted community heroes like Abu Nader, whose story of supporting Filipinos in the UAE went viral and was picked up by global news outlets. Most recently, Expat Media’s viral coverage of Filipino couple Ernesto and Teresa Tawat, who were stranded in Sharjah, prompted action from Philippine authorities and led to the couple’s repatriation. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to use our platform to create real impact,” said Florence Pia Yu, Expat Media’s Editor-in-Chief. “It’s not just about reporting—it’s about being part of a solution,” added Yu, who is known for her pioneering work in digital journalism in the UAE and is considered the longest-serving Filipino journalist based in Dubai whose work paved the way for Filipino stories to be published in mainstream media in the UAE. Yu was the former editor of Gulf News online before bringing her expertise to Expat Media in 2018, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to credibility, innovation, and community service. She has been honored twice with the Journalism Award in the UAE, receiving her awards from Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Journalism with impact

Expat Media's ethos extends beyond its digital platforms. The Expat Media Special Edition magazine, distributed across the UAE, offers in-depth coverage, expert commentary, and a human touch to the news. The team behind Expat Media doesn’t just tell stories—they live them. During the pandemic, they distributed food packs to families in need, assisted a cancer-stricken Filipina in securing aid, and have continuously responded to reader appeals for help. Beyond reporting, Expat Media is helping shape the next generation of journalists through its programs in partnership with top universities in the Philippines and the UAE. More than just a news outlet, Expat Media is a hub for information, connection, and empowerment for UAE residents. Through daily interactions on social media—especially Facebook—the platform engages with its audience in real time. It also partners with government agencies and PR entities to provide essential content that serves the needs of the community. “It’s about staying true to our core values and ensuring that every piece of content we create has a purpose,” said De los Santos. As it celebrates its ninth year, Expat Media is expanding its reach while remaining committed to its core values: truthful reporting, impactful storytelling, and serving the expatriate community. With future plans for regional expansion and stronger partnerships, Expat Media continues to be more than just a media outlet—it is a platform for advocacy journalism, real-life solutions, and the empowerment of UAE residents. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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