Today, the Gulf Daily News launches its annual Ramadan community campaign in print, online and on GDN Media’s social media platforms, with the 2026 edition focusing squarely on one of the most pressing public concerns in Bahrain: road safety.
The GDN Ramadan Road Safety Campaign is themed on ‘safe journeys, blessed month’. Simply, drive with care and consideration for others. Arrive with compassion. Save lives.
GDN Media’s editor-in-chief Stanley Szecowka said: “Through awareness, education and community engagement, we aim to help ensure that every family reaches iftar safely and that Ramadan remains a month of peace, reflection and life.”
Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity and heightened community spirit. Yet it is also a period that historically witnesses a rise in traffic accidents, particularly in the minutes before iftar, when many motorists rush home to break their fast.
This year’s campaign will remind drivers that patience, caution and respect are acts of worship in themselves – and that every safe journey protects not only the driver, but families, pedestrians and fellow road-users.
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The month-long campaign encourages motorists to:
- Drive calmly and avoid speeding, especially during peak pre-iftar hours
- Respect traffic laws and signals at all times
- Show courtesy to pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers
- Ensure children are properly buckled in the back seat
- Place young children in secure, approved child safety seats
Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Hassan Bukhammas stressed that road safety is a national responsibility that requires collective action.
“Protecting lives on our roads is a matter of national security and social stability,” he said. “Every accident prevented means a family spared from grief.
“During Ramadan in particular, we must remind ourselves that haste has no place behind the wheel. Discipline, awareness and respect for the law are essential values that reflect the spirit of this holy month.”
He added that community initiatives like the GDN’s 2026 Ramadan Road Safety Campaign play a crucial role in reinforcing safe behaviour.
“Media-led initiatives such as this one are extremely important in shaping public consciousness and encouraging a culture of responsibility,” Mr Bukhammas added. “When awareness reaches every household, we move closer to safer roads for all.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif echoed those sentiments, highlighting the impact of road accidents at a community level.
“Municipal councils witness first-hand the suffering caused by traffic accidents, from fatalities and serious injuries, traumatised families to damaged infrastructure,” he said. “Most accidents are preventable. A small change in behaviour – slowing down, checking mirrors, stopping for pedestrians – can save a life.”
He called on parents in particular to take responsibility for child safety.
“Children depend entirely on adults for their protection,” Mr Abdullatif added. “Ensuring they are properly restrained in vehicles is not optional, it is a moral and legal duty.”
As part of the Ramadan 2026 Road Safety Campaign, GDN Media will run a series of features, interviews, opinion pieces and social media content highlighting safe driving practices, personal stories and expert advice.
The initiative will be co-ordinated by chief reporter Mohammed A’ali and will be promoted across print, online and social media platforms, now reaching more than 500,000 subscribers, followers and contacts.
Email him if you wish to share suggestions or contribute to the campaign.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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