His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of promoting free, accurate, and responsible journalism that supports progress and development by raising awareness of national issues and development projects.

Awards were then presented to the following media professionals:

•  Best Column Award: Yasmeen Khalaf – Al Bilad Newspaper

•  Best Investigative Journalism Award: Alawi Alsayed Adnan Al Mousawi – Al Bilad Newspaper

•  Best Interview Award: Sara Najeeb and Hussain Sabt – Al Ayam Newspaper

•  Best Photography Award: Abdulameer Al Sulatna – Akhbar Al Khaleej Newspaper

His Royal Highness extended his congratulations to the award winners, wishing them success in delivering reliable, compelling journalism that promotes social and economic advancement and development.

The Minister of Information Affairs, HE Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, then gave a speech in which he highlighted the freedom and openness afforded to the press by the Kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, adding that Kingdom’s national press continue to exercise their journalistic duties professionally.

Dr Al Nuaimi went on to note HRH the Deputy King’s commitment and support to the Kingdom’s press and extended his gratitude to His Royal Highness for the event’s patronage, noting the ceremony’s importance in recognising the media’s constructive societal role.

The winners of the Prime Minister’s Press Award expressed their gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Deputy King for his continued support to the Kingdom’s media professionals and for strengthening professional media standards across the Kingdom.

Several senior officials, journalists, and media professionals also attended the ceremony.