3 days ago
Media is the Mirror of Our Nation's Growth
TDT | Manama
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, led the ninth edition of the Prime Minister's Award for Journalism today, honouring Bahrain's most distinguished media professionals.
Held under his patronage, the ceremony was a powerful affirmation of the press as a cornerstone of Bahrain's progress. HRH the Crown Prince hailed the national media as a vital development partner—one that not only documents Bahrain's achievements, but also shapes public awareness and supports national ambitions in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
"Journalists are the voice of our people, the chroniclers of our journey, and the eyes through which the world sees Bahrain's progress,' HRH Prince Salman said, addressing an audience of senior officials, media leaders, and award-winning journalists. He praised the integrity and professionalism of Bahrain's press community, underscoring its role in empowering society and strengthening the nation's foundations.
2025 Journalism Trailblazers Honoured
This year's awards recognised exceptional achievements across a spectrum of journalistic disciplines:
Journalism Personality of the Year: Issa Al Shaiji, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ayam
Best Column: Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al-Madani, Al Ayam
Best Investigative Journalism: Ali Al Fardan, Al Bilad
Best Interview: Mohammed Qasim Al-Saei, Akhbar Al Khaleej
Best Photography: Sultan Jassim Al Haddad, Bahrain News Agency
Best Digital Platform: Faisal Mohammed Al-Ali, Al Watan
Best Visual Content: Ali Abdulkhaleq, Akhbar Al Khaleej
Best Infographic Report: Jamil Ahmed Sarhan, Akhbar Al Khaleej
Best Niche Page/Supplement: Amal Al Aradi, Al Bilad – Women's Section
Best University Project: "Turathna/Our Heritage", led by students from Gulf University's Media and Public Relations Department
HRH Prince Salman congratulated the winners, urging them to continue elevating Bahrain's media landscape and empowering the nation through responsible and impactful journalism.
A Platform for Progress and Accountability
HRH the Crown Prince reaffirmed the government's commitment to enabling a free and dynamic media sector—one that is equipped with the tools to thrive in a fast-evolving digital age. He emphasized the media's investigative and oversight roles as critical to national development, fostering transparency, and supporting reform.
'The press holds a mirror to our society. Through your words and lenses, you help build the nation. That responsibility is both powerful and sacred,' he said.
A Tribute from the Ministry of Information
Minister of Information, HE Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Noaimi, thanked His Majesty the King for his enduring support of the media and extended heartfelt appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince for his patronage of the event. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Bahrain Journalists Association, the Minister hailed the occasion as a milestone for Bahraini journalism.
He noted that the awards not only recognize excellence, but ignite new ambition. 'Today's honorees carry the torch for future generations of journalists—brave, informed, and committed to the truth.'
A Night of Gratitude and Inspiration
Award winners expressed deep appreciation for HRH Prince Salman's unwavering support of the media sector. For them, the recognition is more than an accolade—it is a motivation to continue shining a light on stories that matter and voices that need to be heard.
As the curtains closed on the 2025 Prime Minister's Award for Journalism, one message rang clear: In Bahrain, journalism is not only celebrated—it is empowered, protected, and positioned as a driving force in the nation's journey forward.
