Nominations for the Woman of the Year Awards 2026 open on June 1 and continue through August 31, inviting individuals across Bahrain and the GCC to recognise women making an impact across business, culture, media, hospitality, education and community leadership.
Featuring 21 awards across five categories, the initiative presented by Woman This Month returns with a continued commitment to highlighting women shaping industries and communities.
Organised by Red House Marketing, the awards continue to grow as one of Bahrain’s leading recognition initiatives for women, bringing together women from business, media, education, hospitality, sport and the creative industries across the region.
Established in 2024, the awards were created to spotlight women whose work is influencing industries, strengthening communities and contributing to long-term progress. This year’s edition places particular emphasis on accessibility and participation, with open nominations encouraging businesses, organisations and members of the public to recognise women whose contributions deserve wider acknowledgement.
The platform continues to position Bahrain as a hub for regional collaboration and leadership, bringing together figures from across the GCC while strengthening professional and cultural connections throughout the region.
The 2025 Grand Finale, held at The Grand Ballroom of The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Manama, reflected the growing scale of the initiative, bringing together nominees, industry leaders and guests for an evening of recognition, celebration and live performances. Reflecting on the atmosphere of the evening, Marija Rakic, winner in the Woman in Performing Arts category, described the experience as one shaped by encouragement and solidarity. “The energy of women supporting women was truly palpable,” she says. “We all understood, without words, that when we uplift one another, we have the power to make the world a better place.”
AWARDS CATEGORIES 2026
The Woman of the Year Awards 2026 features 21 awards distributed across five core categories, in addition to a special recognition honour.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honours a woman whose decades of contribution have shaped Bahrain’s society, industry or culture.
CATEGORY 1: BUSINESS, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
This category recognises women leading economic growth, innovation and transformation across business and technology-driven sectors.
● Woman in Business Leadership
Recognises senior leadership and organisational impact.
● Woman in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
For founders who have scaled enterprises through resilience.
● Woman in FinTech & Finance
Recognises leadership in banking, investment or financial services.
● Woman in STEM
Honours leadership in science, technology, engineering or AI-driven solutions.
● Girl of the Year
Under 18.
CATEGORY 2: CREATIVE INDUSTRIES (ORANGE ECONOMY)
Focused on creative work and cultural expression, this category highlights women contributing to Bahrain’s growing creative economy.
● Woman in Creative Industries (Orange Economy)
Advancing Bahrain’s creative economy through cultural innovation.
● Woman in Fashion
For designers and stylists shaping modern aesthetics.
● Woman in Visual Arts & Performing Arts
Distinguished work in fine art, photography or visual expression.
● Unido Rising Star of The Year
CATEGORY 3: HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL IMPACT
This category recognises women whose work directly influences wellbeing, learning and community development.
● Woman in Health & Wellness Leadership
Improving care quality and community outcomes.
● Woman in Education & Thought Leadership
Educators and innovators shaping future-ready skills.
● Woman in Beauty & Personal Care
Leadership and entrepreneurship in wellness and personal care.
● Woman in Philanthropy & Community Impact
Charitable initiatives delivering sustained impact.
CATEGORY 4: HOSPITALITY & SPORTS
Recognising industries central to Bahrain’s lifestyle sectors, this category celebrates leadership across hospitality and sports.
● Woman in Hospitality
Leadership in hotels, restaurants and F&B operations.
● Woman in Sports
Achievement and influence in professional or community sports.
● Woman in Culinary Arts
Recognises a visionary leader in the culinary arts driving gastronomic innovation, preserving cultural heritage and mentoring the next generation of chefs and food innovators.
CATEGORY 5: MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS, ADVOCACY & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
The largest category within the programme, this section highlights women shaping communication, public dialogue and media engagement across traditional and digital platforms.
● Woman in Digital Media & Content Creation
Creative and responsible digital content leadership.
● Woman in Corporate Communications & Public Relations (PR)
Reputation-building and strategic communications.
● Woman in Marketing
Brand growth through insight-led strategy and campaigns.
● Woman in Journalism (Print & Broadcast)
Exceptional storytelling in traditional media.
Nomination & Evaluation Process
Nominations are open now through August 31. After nominations close, the process moves to public voting, jury review, and the final winner announcement. Evaluation combines community votes with an independent jury drawn from business, media, academia, social impact, and the creative industries – ensuring credibility at every stage.
Beyond the Awards
Being recognised through the Woman of the Year Awards carries real weight. Winners gain visibility across multiple media platforms – including Woman This Month, Bahrain This Month, Gulf Daily News, social media, outdoor screens, the annual Winners Edition, and a dedicated podcast series. Recognition that extends well beyond a single evening – amplifying your story, elevating your profile, and connecting you to a community of exceptional women across the region.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 edition builds on a growing regional platform – celebrating women who are shaping industries, communities, and the next generation.
For partnership opportunities and sponsorship, please contact:
George Middleton
[email protected], +973-39677851
Amna Syed
[email protected], +973-66988311
WOTYA 2026
[email protected], +973-38171541
Alison Lillywhite
[email protected], +973-39694395
Know someone who deserves recognition?
Nominations are open now.
Nominate at womanoftheyearawards.com
