Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, attended the 2025 Al Bilad Shield Corporate Social Responsibility Awards ceremony, organised by Al Bilad Media Corporation for the fourth consecutive year.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was also attended by Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives; Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council; ministers, senior officials, representatives of public and private sector institutions, as well as economists, media figures and other guests.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah emphasized that corporate social responsibility is a crucial component of the Kingdom of Bahrain's comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and guided by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He stressed that integrating social responsibility within corporate governance and institutional performance can transform private sector initiatives into concrete and sustainable results, improving service quality and advancing Bahrain's position as an exemplary environment for responsible business and a hub for social innovation.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the government's dedication to broadening partnerships with the private sector. He noted that this ensures social responsibility initiatives are directed towards key priorities such as education, health, the environment, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship, within a framework that balances long-term social impact, economic viability, and efficient resource use.
He also commended Al Bilad Media Corporation's efforts in hosting the award annually, providing a platform to showcase impactful corporate social responsibility practices and highlight success stories from the private sector, thereby encouraging further initiatives. He wished the corporation continued success in its role.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah then honoured the winners of the Al Bilad Shield Corporate Social Responsibility Awards: Bahrain Islamic Bank received the Grand Award, Naseej was awarded the Economic Excellence Award, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait received the Social Excellence Award, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain won the Environmental Excellence Award, and CoinMENA was recognized with the Women's Empowerment and Advancement Award. He also presented the Medal of Excellence to the family of the late businessman Farouk Almoayyed, named Personality of the Year 2025 by the award's supreme committee, in recognition of his significant contributions to social responsibility.
Abdulnabi Al Shoala, Chairman of Al Bilad Media Corporation, expressed appreciation for the Deputy Prime Minister's continued support since the award's launch in 2022, noting the significant impact this has had on its success. He added that the increasing level of participation in the initiative reflects its effectiveness in encouraging companies to showcase their programs in the field and demonstrate the private sector's role in supporting sustainable development goals.
The winning companies' representatives expressed their gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister for his ongoing support of private sector initiatives, acknowledging its role as an active partner in the country's comprehensive development.