In a significant achievement for Ahlia University, a group of media and public relations students won the “Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism 2024”. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay.
On this occasion, Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ahlia University, emphasized the vital role of wise leadership and governmental support in the success of the journalistic mission in Bahrain. He noted that the press faithfully and honestly reflects the nation’s developmental achievements while conveying citizens’ voices and opinions with credibility and objectivity.
Al-Hawaj highlighted the expansion of the Prime Minister’s Award in its 8th edition to include university student projects as a clear indication of the growing governmental interest in the development of the journalism and media sector. He praised the efforts of Ahlia University’s students who won the student projects award. “We are delighted with the achievement of our media master’s programme students,” said Al-Hawaj. “It is even more gratifying to see a united Bahraini-Saudi team demonstrating the competencies and capabilities of our youth in the Gulf region.”
He stressed the importance of student participation in various local, regional, and even international competitions, due to their significant positive impact on refining skills and developing capabilities. Al-Hawaj pointed out that Ahlia University offers journalism and media studies at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The winning students expressed their gratitude for the award and the continuous development of the journalism sector in Bahrain. Faisal Al-Zahrani, a master’s student in media and public relations and the head of the participating team, noted that the Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism is one of Bahrain’s most important media initiatives over the past decade. He praised the award’s role in honouring distinguished journalists and encouraging creativity and innovation in the media field. Regarding Ahlia University students’ participation in the award, Al-Zahrani explained that several students applied their field experiences and academic knowledge to establish an e-paper named “Ahlia 24”.
Saad Al-Bahri, a master’s student, mentioned that since its inception, the competition has inspired his colleagues and positively impacted their performance and capabilities, leading to innovative and creative journalism. He highlighted that the 8th edition of this competition emphasizes excellence in journalism and ongoing media leadership, offering a unique opportunity for both students and professionals to showcase their talents and skills.
Halima Darwish, another master’s student, describing the award as a cultural media incubator that enhances awareness of the true practice of journalism as a powerful tool for societal impact and a driver of decision-making and change.
Master’s student Fatima Alaali stressed that the Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism provides an opportunity to develop and showcase journalistic skills. She highlighted that the collective participation of students nurtures teamwork skills, simulating real-world journalism practices.
Sara Abdullah, a master’s student, shared her aspiration for achieving advanced results in the competition, emphasizing the diligent efforts of all participating students. She noted her role in writing social articles and news stories in the women’s and children’s section.
Master’s student Nasser Al-Shehri confirmed that Bahrain government’s support for sciences and knowledge is exemplified by the Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism 2024. He praised Bahrain’s commitment to keeping pace with rapid developments in the field of communication.
