The 16th Gulf Radio and Television Festival has officially commenced in Manama, Bahrain, with the theme “Our Media is Our Identity.” Hosted by the Bahraini Ministry of Information in collaboration with the Gulf Radio and Television Corporation, the event aims to bring together media experts from the Arab Gulf states to celebrate excellence and delve into the future of media in the region.
One of the standout participants in the festival is the Sultanate of Oman, which has set up a dedicated pavilion to showcase its modern television and radio productions. Showcasing a diverse range of content, including general, sports, and cultural programs, Oman is keen on highlighting its unique identity and its ties to the broader Gulf region. Jamila bint Abdullah Al Badia, who is overseeing Oman’s participation, emphasized this aspect of the pavilion.
Among the 20 honorees at the festival, three notable figures from Oman’s media landscape stand out: artist and writer Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Azki, the late journalist Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Shuaili, and sports commentator Younis bin Muhammad Al-Fahdi.
The festival has an exciting lineup of activities, including seminars focusing on digital media credibility and the development of Gulf drama. The prestigious “Al Dana Award for TV Drama” will be a major highlight, with 9 categories recognizing outstanding contributions to the field. The ceremony is expected to draw senior officials, artists, and media professionals from various Arab countries, making it a significant event in the region’s media calendar.