Manama: Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the Al Dana Drama Award 2025 was held at Bahrain National Theatre. HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad highlighted the success and progress achieved by the Al Dana Drama Award, noting its role in developing creativity and encouraging artists to present works that reflect Bahraini, Gulf, and Arab identity.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Khalid further emphasized that the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for culture and the arts is a key driver for the growth of cultural and artistic activities in the Kingdom. He also commended the dedication of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for empowering the cultural and artistic movement, reinforcing Bahrain's status as a center for Arab creativity.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad stated that the significant progress of the awards this year, seen in both increased participation and higher standards of artistic output, demonstrates their strong influence and status as a premier forum for showcasing creative talent. He also highlighted the role the awards play in acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of writers, directors, and actors, and in encouraging them to pursue further innovation in their work.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information for its efforts in organizing the awards and commended the role of the judging panel for their professionalism in evaluating the entries, which contributed to highlighting outstanding works and promising talents in the artistic arena.
Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, thanked His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted that the awards embody the wise vision aimed at supporting and encouraging creativity and excellence, thereby enhancing the artistic movement in Bahrain and the region.
Dr. Al Noaimi also thanked HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, emphasizing that HH Shaikh Khalid's patronage and support have been instrumental in the development and continuity of the awards, establishing a platform that motivates drama creators to present works that enrich the cultural and artistic landscape with meaningful and impactful content.
The ceremony featured a dramatic and musical operetta with the participation of a select group of artists, incorporating theatrical and artistic scenes that highlighted the importance of art in building societies and promoting human values. The performance also included several tableaux presented by children from various Gulf countries, reflecting the diversity of heritage and the unity of Gulf identity.
The operetta included dramatic narratives depicting milestones in the history of Gulf art, utilizing modern technologies and visual effects that added an innovative and interactive dimension to the performance, enhancing the audience's visual experience.
The winners of Al Dana Drama Award 2025 in its ten main categories and audience choice awards were announced and honored, with "Shari' Al A'sha" (Al A'sha Street) taking several top accolades, including Best Social Drama Series, Best Actor for Khaled Saqer, and Best Actress for Elham Ali.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad also presented the Al Dana Lifetime Achievement Award to artists Abdullah Malik, Maryam Al Saleh, and Hayat Al Fahad. The recipients expressed gratitude to HH Shaikh Khalid and acknowledged that the awards have provided an opportunity to showcase their work and hone their artistic skills, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to enhancing culture and the arts.