The countdown to the Woman of the Year Awards (WOTYA) 2026 Grand Finale is officially on.
With more than 735 nominations received before administrative review and 21 awards set to be presented, this year’s edition is shaping up to be a powerful celebration of the women making a difference across Bahrain.
An initiative by Woman This Month, in association with Gulf Daily News and with UNIDO as Official Advisor, WOTYA celebrates the women behind remarkable achievements — recognising not only their success, but also the journeys, determination and ambition that have shaped it.
Now that nominations have closed, the awards enter their next important stage: the selection of the top three finalists in each award category, followed by the public voting phase from November 1 to 30.
Meet the All-Female Jury for 2026
For the first time in WOTYA history, an all-female jury will assess this year’s nominations and select the three finalists in each award category.
The 2026 jury comprises Dr Hana Kanoo, MP Maryam Saleh Al Dhaen, Dr Najma Taqi, Dr Suzanne White and Ms Sabah Al Moayed.
Drawing on their diverse experience and expertise, the jury will determine which nominees progress to the final stage of the awards.
Once the finalists are announced, the decision will be opened to the public. From November 1 to November 30, people across Bahrain will have the opportunity to vote for the women they believe deserve to take home the honours.
The final results will be determined through a combination of 60 per cent jury scores and 40 per cent public votes.
Follow the journey and find full details at womanoftheyearawards.com.
Meet the Partners in Progress
WOTYA 2026 is made possible through the support of a network of partners, each contributing to the awards and helping bring this year’s celebration to life.
Jetour is the Official Title Partner, represented at the launch by Mr Ghassan Freiwat, Chief Strategic Officer, JMC Al Jaziera, Dealer Jetour, alongside Mr Waleed Kanoo, Director, E.K. Kanoo.
American Mission Hospital continues its support as Official Health Partner, represented by CEO and Medical Director Dr George Cheriyan.
Returning as Venue Partner is The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, represented by Director of Sales & Marketing Ms Nadezhda Vasichkina. The hotel’s ballroom will once again provide the setting for the Grand Finale.
Home Centre Bahrain, Al Rashid Group joins as Décor Partner, represented by Senior Vice President and Country Head, Bahrain, Mr Sandeep Narain.
As Official Radio Partner, Radio Bahrain 96.5, represented by CEO Mr Ala Ghawas, will help extend the WOTYA message across the Kingdom.
Talking Pictures, represented by CEO and Executive Producer Mr Sanjay Kapoor, is the Support Partner, documenting the WOTYA journey throughout the campaign.
Four Square serves as Outdoor Partner, with CEO Mr Jaideep Narindra representing the company as WOTYA takes to digital screens across Bahrain.
Russell Bedford Assure Audit is the Official Audit Partner, represented by Chief Advisor and CEO Mr Arun Balu, supporting transparency throughout the awards process.
Out of the Box, represented by Managing Director Mr Salman Yousuf, is supporting the management and execution of the event.
SOS Marketing joins as Digital Partner, represented by Managing Partner Ms Lini Reghunath, while Asgharali continues its association with WOTYA as Fragrance Partner. Although Mr Saad Asgharali, Managing Director, was unable to attend the launch, he conveyed his continued support for the initiative.
A Special Homecoming
Adding an extra touch of significance to the evening, the 2026 Grand Finale will welcome Bahrain-born Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez as Chief Guest.
Fernandez began her journey in Bahrain before going on to build an international career in entertainment. Her return to the Kingdom makes her presence at WOTYA 2026 a particularly meaningful homecoming — one that echoes the stories of the women being celebrated on the night.
The Big Night
On December 2, guests will gather at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa from 6pm onwards for the culmination of the 2026 awards.
The Grand Finale will bring together Bahrain’s business community, entrepreneurs, diplomats, creatives, media personalities, previous WOTYA winners and this year’s nominees, alongside the awards’ partners and supporters.
With the finalists taking centre stage, the evening will build towards the reveal of the winners across the 21 awards. Previous WOTYA winners will also return, bringing together women recognised across all three editions and reflecting the growing community that has developed around the awards.
Beyond the celebrations, the Grand Finale is also an opportunity to connect, network and build meaningful relationships in a room filled with influential leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers and supporters of women’s advancement.
Be There for the Celebration
Whether you are joining to celebrate a nominee, support the finalists, reconnect with the WOTYA community or meet the people shaping Bahrain’s business and creative landscape, the Grand Finale promises to be an evening to remember.
Corporate table bookings are also available for companies wishing to attend with their teams and show their support for women making an impact across Bahrain.
The Woman of the Year Awards 2026 Grand Finale
December 2, 6pm onwards
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
Secure your seats now and be part of the celebration.
Get your tickets via Bahrain This Month Events at bahrainthismonth.com/events
