Manama : The Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), led by Isa Al Shaiji, held a high-level media meeting to review the main achievements of the Press and Digital Media Law, recently ratified by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting a legislative environment that supports free and responsible media.
Nabeel bin Yaqoub Al Hamar, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Media Affairs; Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information; Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi, Advisor for Media Affairs at the Court of the Crown Prince; Yousif Al Binkhalil, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information; and Ahmed Khaled Al Araifi, CEO of the National Communication Centre (NCC), were present.
Al Shaiji emphasised that the national press plays a key role in supporting Bahrain’s comprehensive development. He highlighted the strong position of the Bahraini press with the support of His Majesty the King and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Al Shaiji welcomed His Majesty the King’s order to allocate land and build a permanent headquarters for the Association, noting that the initiative reflects His Majesty’s support of the national press’s role and belief in the media as an active partner in supporting development and promoting community participation.
Al Hamar affirmed that the law continues the pioneering legislative and media path launched at the start of the new millennium, when His Majesty the King directed the preparation of a modern Press and Digital Media Law as part of a reform project which established the principles of freedom and responsibility in media work.
He noted that this phase created a strong legislative foundation for regulating media in the Kingdom and reinforced professional responsibility in journalism, paving the way for the Press and Digital Media Law, which keeps pace with digital developments and upholds responsible media freedom based on professional values and respect for the law.
Dr. Al Noaimi commended the cooperation with the BJA during the stages of preparing and developing the law, which was realised through extensive discussions and consultations involving editors-in-chief, media practitioners and representatives of press institutions.
He noted that these efforts resulted in drafting an advanced law that enhances press freedom, guarantees the rights of those working in media, and establishes a responsible national media capable of keeping up with rapid global developments amid the Kingdom’s development across various sectors.
The minister said that the law introduced major reforms that strengthened freedom of opinion and expression, enhanced protection for journalists and media professionals, and abolished prison sentences in publishing cases, replacing them with financial penalties, in line with His Majesty the King’s directives to uphold the principles of freedom of opinion and expression set out in the National Action Charter and the Constitution of the Kingdom.
For his part, Al Hammadi emphasised that the ratification and issuance of Law (41) of 2025, amending certain provisions of Decree-Law (47) of 2002 on the regulation of press, printing, and publishing, reflects the ongoing development witnessed across the Kingdom, including in the media and journalism sectors. He said that the Press and Digital Media Law, first issued in 2002, aimed to consolidate the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and was based on the principles of the National Action Charter. The law was developed under the guidance of the Charter Implementation Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives emphasised enacting amendments through constructive cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities, in coordination with the BJA, editors-in-chief, and media professionals, with notable efforts from the Minister of Information.
He explained that the recent amendments give the media system greater flexibility to meet contemporary demands and adapt to future developments in all forms of digital media. Al Hammadi emphasised that this legislative advancement builds an integrated media system that enhances the quality of national content, balances freedom of expression with professional responsibility, and aligns with Bahrain’s vision of developing the media as a pillar of sustainable development.
Anwar Abdulrahman, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al Khaleej, speaking on behalf of local editors, commended the royal support for the Bahraini press and noted that the Kingdom’s freedom and responsibility in journalism set a regional example. He added that the Press and Digital Media Law reflects His Majesty’s vision for free and responsible speech and strengthens national media as a partner in development, thanking the Ministry of Information and the BJA for their ongoing efforts in advancing the media environment.
The meeting concluded by emphasising the Bahraini press’s role in promoting national unity, highlighting achievements, and enhancing Bahrain’s standing internationally.
