Written by Zahra Baqer
Manama, June 22 (BNA) The Gulf Radio and Television Festival 2022 kicked off its grand opening on the Bahrain National Theatre, in the presence of senior guests and media representatives from all over the Gulf region.
The ceremony was opened by the Minister of Information, Ramadan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, with words of thanks and appreciation to the guests and participants.
The minister said that Bahrain is proud to host the festival in the presence of prominent media professionals and artists who have made great contributions to the media scene in the Gulf.
He said, “We look forward to more success in raising Gulf media production to advanced levels that make it in line with the developments of the times and meet the aspirations of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.”
“It gives me great pleasure to witness the continued success of this major event, which highlights the strong bonds between the GCC countries in the media and learns about inspiring creativity and promising projects that are rewarded for special achievements,” the minister said.
Al Nuaimi thanked the organizers for their successful efforts and said that the festival will remain a media forum of great value and lasting impact and a platform through which thinkers and innovators meet to exchange experiences, enhance cooperation and honor the pioneers in recognition of their dedication. And their role model for the younger generations of media.
The minister said: “We look forward to this edition of the festival as an effective continuation of the achievements made by the previous sessions, and that its activities and events will enhance the standards of the Gulf media and enable it to overcome various challenges.”
The Director General of Gulf Radio and Television and the Secretary General of the Festival Majri bin Mubarak Al-Qahtani highlighted the competitions of the event, its agenda and the components of the festival.
Al-Qahtani said: “The competition includes 300 radio and television productions and films, which are evaluated by 75 expert judges from the Gulf and Arab countries to ensure the highest standards of competition and justice.”
“We are honored to recognize the merits and contributions of 26 media personalities in this year’s festival. The festival seeks to present aspiring media personalities in the future with the opportunity to participate in various seminars and discussions that highlight modern topics in the Gulf and Arab media world, exchange knowledge and broaden our horizons.”
The Minister and the Secretary-General presented awards to media professionals in recognition of their distinguished efforts and outstanding contributions to radio and television over the years.
“I am pleased to receive the honor and appreciation in the presence of my dear colleagues and partners here in the Kingdom, as this event brought together many distinguished personalities in this field, and they exchanged their works and experiences while we celebrate this great festival,” Kuwaiti author Bader Bouresli said.
The event highlighted Bahrain’s prominent contributors, actors and directors in the field as they shared their enthusiasm and their impression of the event.
“It gives me great pleasure to come back to celebrate with our colleagues after all these years because this particular event is a major reason for the growth of the radio and television field in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, maintaining the great production and television quality for the audience,” said Bahraini actor Jamaan Al Ruwaie.
The ceremony included an operetta that praised the richness and passion for the unity and culture of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab countries.
The festival will run until June 23, with live TV broadcasts daily by official and sponsoring TV stations and a daily magazine covering the festival’s activities.
Radio and television production companies from the Arab world compete alongside film competitions that feature radio and television programs produced by Gulf radio and television companies.
The festival includes specialized seminars discussing contemporary media issues, a market for television and radio programs, and an exhibition of modern communication devices.