Manama : The Ministry of Sustainable Development concluded the national photography and videography competition, “Sustainable Tourism in Bahrain through the Eyes of Youth,” launched on July 21 in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the Nikon Youth Global Program MENA, and Ashrafs W.L.L.
The competition aimed to empower young people aged 15–35 to highlight sustainable tourism in Bahrain, raise awareness of sustainability concepts, and promote photography and videography as creative tools that foster cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of sustainability in the tourism sector, while showcasing Bahrain’s national efforts in this field.
Held within Youth City 2030, the closing event was attended by Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of the BTEA; Dana Imad Hamzah, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Sustainable Development; and Nani Mohammed Butti, Assistant Undersecretary for Support and Initiatives at the Ministry of Youth Affairs.
The event opened with an exhibition of participants’ photographs and short films reflecting environmental, cultural, and community dimensions of sustainable tourism in Bahrain. Officials toured the exhibition and engaged with participants, who shared the stories and creative methods behind their work, reflecting a high standard of innovation.
Submissions underwent evaluation by a judging panel that included representatives from the BTEA, the Ministry of Information, the Nikon Youth Global Program MENA, and a professional Bahraini photographer. Winners of the top three places in both categories were announced, with works recognised for their artistic quality and originality in portraying themes such as heritage tourism, marine and environmental tourism, and coexistence tourism in Manama.
In the awards ceremony, first place winners in each category received BD 500 and a BD 100 voucher from Ashrafs W.L.L.; second place winners received BD 300 and a BD 50 voucher; and third place winners received BD 200 and a BD 50 voucher. Winners also received training opportunities with the Nikon Youth Global Program MENA, while all participants were awarded certificates.
The Ministry of Sustainable Development highlighted that the success of the competition reflects Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing youth participation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to using arts and media to showcase national identity at the local, regional, and international levels. It also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation with government and private sector partners to empower youth and develop their skills.
The ministry expressed appreciation for its partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the BTEA, the Nikon Youth Global Program MENA, and Ashrafs W.L.L., noting that their support contributed significantly to the success of the initiative and the discovery of young talent.
Partners and participants expressed pride in joining an initiative that provided a platform to present youth creativity in photography and videography, adding that such programmes enhance Bahrain’s presence regionally and internationally and help cultivate a skilled generation able to contribute to sustainable development with new ideas and talent.
