Exceptional women who are shaping Bahrain’s future, inspiring the next generation and making a lasting impact across the kingdom through their achievements and contributions are being invited for nomination to the Woman of the Year Awards (WOTYA) 2026.
Organised by Red House Marketing, in partnership with Woman This Month and the Gulf Daily News (GDN), the awards feature 21 honours across five key categories, recognising excellence in a diverse range of fields.
The categories include Business, Innovation and Technology (five awards); Creative Industries (Orange Economy - four awards); Health, Education and Social Impact (four awards); Hospitality and Sports (three awards); as well as Media, Communications, Advocacy and Public Engagement (four awards).
In addition, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will honour a woman whose decades of contributions have left a lasting legacy on the kingdom’s society, culture and industry.
“Following two highly successful years of recognising and celebrating the achievements of exceptional women across Bahrain, the WOTYA is proud to launch its third edition for 2026, with JETOUR joining as the prestigious title sponsor,” a representative said in a statement.
“The awards have established themselves as one of Bahrain’s most respected platforms for honouring women who are making a meaningful impact across business, education, healthcare, media, technology, sport, the creative industries and community service.
Jetour Bahrain dealer principal Manaf Kaseem
“The successful partnership between Woman This Month and GDN has enabled the awards to reach thousands of readers and audiences across print, digital and social media platforms, creating a powerful movement that celebrates female excellence and inspires future generations.
“This year marks an exciting new chapter as WOTYA continues to spotlight outstanding women from across the kingdom, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a hub for leadership, innovation and empowerment.”
Reflecting on the spirit of the awards, Marija Rakic, winner in the Performing Arts category in 2025, described the experience as one shaped by encouragement and solidarity.
“The energy of women supporting women was truly palpable,” she said. “We all understood, without words, that when we uplift one another, we have the power to make the world a better place.”
Woman This Month winners cover shoot (2025)
Last year’s awards featured 17 honours across six categories: Woman in Business, Woman in Orange Economy, Woman in Service, Woman in Sports, Woman in Social Service and Woman of Arabia Achievement Award.
Established in 2024, the awards were created to spotlight women who are driving progress, transforming industries and contributing to Bahrain’s long-term development.
Nominations are open until August 31, with nominees required to be current residents or citizens of Bahrain.
Details of the event’s date and venue will be announced shortly.
To nominate a deserving candidate, visit www.womanoftheyearawards.com.
For event sponsorships and partnerships contact george@redhousemarketing.com, amna@redhousemarketing.com, alison.lillywhite@tradearabia.net.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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