Manama: Dr. Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, has announced the opening of submissions for the Prime Minister's Journalism Award 2026, inviting entries from May 25 to June 25. He emphasized the award's role in fostering journalistic creativity and motivating Bahraini media professionals to produce content that reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's developments in various fields.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Noaimi attributed the progress and distinction of the Bahraini press to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty's comprehensive development initiatives. These efforts have reinforced principles of responsible freedom of opinion and expression and strengthened the media's role as a crucial partner in national development.
The minister highlighted that ongoing support has facilitated the creation of an advanced media environment that adapts to global changes, offering journalists and media professionals opportunities for creativity and active participation in serving the Kingdom. This aligns with official statements emphasizing the media's role as a key development partner.
Praising the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Dr. Al Noaimi expressed pride in His Royal Highness' commitment to supporting the press and journalists. He noted that the Prime Minister's Journalism Award is a significant milestone in Bahraini journalism, providing a platform for recognizing journalistic creativity and excellence in the media sector.
Marking its tenth edition, the award has established itself as a leading national initiative supporting the media sector. It has played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing journalistic talent and fostering positive competition among journalists and media institutions.
Dr. Al Noaimi emphasized the Bahraini press's ongoing role in showcasing national achievements and mirroring societal aspirations. He affirmed that the Ministry of Information will continue to support journalists and media institutions, fostering an environment conducive to media creativity and strengthening Bahrain's position as a leader in journalism and media.
The Prime Minister's Journalism Award 2026 includes categories such as Best Opinion Column, Best Investigative Report, Best Interview, Best Press Photograph, Best Specialized Page or Supplement, Best Visual Journalistic Content (Video), Best Infographic, Best Website and Electronic Account for Press Institutions, and Best Student Journalism Project for Universities.
Additionally, the award features the Journalist Personality of the Year Award, honoring a media figure who has significantly contributed to Bahrain's journalistic landscape and made a notable impact on the national media scene.
Submissions must include journalistic materials published in the local press between January 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026, along with student journalism projects from the 2025-2026 academic year submitted by students at Bahraini universities. Each press institution is allowed to submit a single entry per individual in each award category, and students may nominate their work for the "Best Student Journalism Project" category, provided it has not previously won any local or international award.