Emirates Airline will be sponsoring the award for the best overseas reporting assignment in the 17th Malta Journalism Awards.

The Dubai-based international airline is extending its sponsorship to the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) for the Malta Journalism Award category – the Best Overseas Assignment.

Awarded for the second time this year, the Best Overseas Assignment category recognises the finest examples of reportage by Malta’s journalists abroad.

One journalist, or team of journalists, will receive a Lm150 cash prize, together with a trophy designed by a Maltese artist. In addition, Emirates Airline is offering two return tickets to Dubai, as well as three nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel.

Emirates’ manager for Malta and Cyprus Paul Fleri Soler said: “Malta is one of only a small number of

countries where Emirates

sponsors a journalism award. These awards support the drive by Malta’s National Institute of Journalists to further improve quality, and

recognise outstanding

journalists for their hard work and professionalism.”

Speaking about the guidelines, IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi said that entries will be evaluated on the quality of research, writing style, quality of content and overall presentation. An independent panel of judges will be evaluating submissions for the Malta Journalism Awards.

Last year, the category winner was Julia Farrugia and her team, composed of Joe Cachia, Joseph Fava, Pablo Micallef and Charles Ahar.

Emirates began operating flights from Malta to Dubai in March 1998. The airline flies from Dubai to Malta via Larnaca, Cyprus, five times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, using a comfortable wide-

bodied Airbus A330-200.

From its Dubai hub, Emirates currently flies to 88 destinations in 59 countries and has a modern fleet of over 100 aircraft. On average, Emirates is receiving a new aircraft every month and by 2012 it expects to be the world’s largest long-haul

airline.