Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday highlighted Bahraini media’s key role as he visited Akhbar Al Khaleej to mark the newspaper’s 50th anniversary.
He was welcomed by Chairman of the Board and Editor-in-Chief Anwar Abdulrahman and other senior staff.
Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain’s press plays a significant role in the country’s development, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He noted that the press has been able to keep pace with modern demands, thanks to the support it receives, which has created a professional environment for media organisations.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Bahrain’s long journalistic tradition reflects the early cultural and social development that began during the reign of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, the founder of the modern state.
He added that His Highness’ emphasis on education, administration and health helped cultivate a generation committed to learning, laying the groundwork for the emergence of modern journalism in 1939 and, subsequently, the establishment of Akhbar Al Khaleej 50 years ago, which further developed the Bahraini press.
He toured a photographic exhibition showcasing front pages from various editions, highlighting significant local, regional, and international events.
He also visited the newspaper’s departments, including the editorial office, archive and production area, where he met journalists and staff and extended his congratulations on the anniversary.
A celebration followed, attended by the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) and senior media figures.
Shaikh Khalid said that the gathering honoured the kingdom’s media professionals for their role in the country’s freedoms and achievements, which were secured by the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty and supported by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He described Akhbar Al Khaleej as a living national memory that has documented Bahrain’s changes and supported the country’s progress.
He emphasised the government’s ongoing support for national journalism, noting that the annual Prime Minister’s Journalism Award reflects this commitment.
He also highlighted that the newspaper’s history extends back 87 years to the first Bahraini paper, Al Bahrain, and recalled the early developments in the 1950s and 1960s that culminated in the launch of Akhbar Al Khaleej in 1976.
He praised Mahmoud Al Mardi as a central figure in the history of Bahraini journalism.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the newspaper’s archive is a valuable record of Bahrain’s modern history and lauded the early journalists who helped build the press.
He thanked Mr Abdulrahman for his long service and leadership, and acknowledged the work of the newspaper’s board and staff.
He welcomed recent legal reforms that modernised Press regulation for the digital age and commended young journalists taking leadership roles in local papers.
He congratulated the BJA on its 25th anniversary and thanked the Information Ministry for its work, especially on the 85th anniversary of Radio Bahrain.
He mentioned the new decision on shared communications services, saying it will improve government communication and national media co-ordination.
Shaikh Khalid urged journalists to prepare for future challenges, including artificial intelligence, which should support professional journalism rather than replace it.
He commended Akhbar Al Khaleej for 50 years of service and expressed hope that the newspaper will continue to develop.
He also noted the intention to reconvene in two years to mark the 50th anniversary of the Gulf Daily News.
On his part, Mr Abdulrahman expressed gratitude to His Majesty and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their support.
He commended the Deputy Prime Minister’s ongoing support for national media and highlighted Akhbar Al Khaleej’s long history of reporting responsibly, defending national interests, and supporting young journalists while adapting to modern media changes.
Shaikh Khalid received a commemorative gift, including a copy of the first issue of Akhbar Al Khaleej and a historical archive piece.
He also received a commemorative shield from the BJA in recognition of his support.
Akhbar Al Khaleej was founded by Mahmoud Al Mardi and first published on February 1, 1976, making it Bahrain’s oldest daily newspaper still in regular publication.
&uuid=(email))