Information Minister: 16th Gulf Radio, Television Festival preparations complete

Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Information, announced that the ministry, in cooperation with the Gulf Radio and Television Organistion (GRTO), has finalised all preparations for the 16th Gulf Radio and Television Festival. The event, hosted by Bahrain from 28 to 30 May under the theme "Our Media, Our Identity," aims to strengthen Gulf media cooperation. The minister highlighted that all efforts and resources have been dedicated to ensuring a successful edition of the festival, one of the largest gatherings of media professionals and artists from the GCC and the Arab world. It serves as a platform for competition and recognition of creative talents, particularly the youth. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed that under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain is committed to supporting media professionals, artists, and creatives to enhance various aspects o f media production. This year's festival features a qualitative development in the competition through the "Dana Drama Award" held 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 (BOC). The award is organised by the ministry in collaboration with GRTO. The minister praised the efforts of GRTO and its Director General, Majri Mubarak Al Qahtani, for their role in organising the festival. GRTO serves as a unifying framework for Gulf media work, aiming to elevate radio and television production to match the development and prosperity of GCC countries. The 16th edition of the festival will include the recognition of media professionals, artists, directors, writers, and producers with various awards. It will also feature specialised seminars and workshops on media and film production, addressing future needs. These incl ude: "Manama as the Arab Media Capital 2024: Digital Media - Credibility and Influence," "Gulf Drama Between Generations," "Media's Impact on Societal and Family Values and Gulf Identity," and "Sports Media Between Reliability and Excitement." Dr. Al Nuaimi noted that the event will also host a market for radio and television production, with participation from Gulf and Arab governmental bodies, production companies, broadcasters, telecommunications, and satellite companies showcasing the latest broadcasting equipment. The Minister reiterated Bahrain's commitment to strengthening Gulf cooperation in all fields, including media, by providing all necessary facilities for festival guests, artists, and creatives. The minister expressed optimism and confidence in the success of this year's festival, especially as it coincides with "Manama as the Arab Media Capital 2024." He wished continued success to the festival and its organisers, and sustained creative contributions from all participants. Source: Bahrain News Agency