Manama, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Cabinet Affairs Ministry and Honorary President of the Good Word Society, stated that the Shaikh Isa bin Ali Award for Voluntary Work annually reflects the wise directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the dedicated efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to promote volunteerism as a key pillar of societal progress.
The 14th edition of the award’s closing ceremony was attended by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Southern Governor; Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain; Minister of Labour Jameel bin Mohammed Humaidan; Minister of Social Development Osama bin Ahmed Al Asfoor; and Minister of Cabinet Affairs Hamad bin Faisal Al Maliki.
HH Shaikh Isa highlighted that the award’s continuity is a result of the support and oversight of His Highness Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to HRH the C
rown Prince and Prime Minister, and the support of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, which drives further efforts for the nation’s advancement.
He welcomed the attendees and acknowledged the award’s role in recognising the noble efforts of volunteers, which align with the evolving perception of voluntary work and its noble mission. He thanked the dignitaries for attending and praised the efforts of the Good Word Society and the Arab Union for Voluntary Work for their contributions. He also appreciated the support of the award sponsors and all partners from government, private, and civil sectors in Bahrain and beyond.
The ceremony honoured 12 leading figures in voluntary work from across the Arab world, including HH Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain; His Highness Shaikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department; Fathallah Al Zeni, Libya’s Minister of Youth; and several others who have significant
ly contributed to voluntary and developmental work in the Arab world.
The Shaikh Isa bin Ali Award for Community Leadership was presented to Rashid Al Zayani Charity in recognition of its community role and developmental efforts.
In the category of best Bahraini voluntary project, the Bahrain Diabetes Society won first place for its mobile unit for children’s support, the Bahrain Society for Women’s Development came second for its Afiya initiative, and the Jannusan Charity took third place for its educational card initiative. In the category of voluntary teams and individuals, the Awaidna initiative by Dr. Osama Bahr won first place, followed by the Majors Initiative by the Basma Voluntary Team in second, and the Tawasul Ahl Al Bahrain Initiative in third.
The event also saw the recognition of the award sponsors, including Al Salam Bank, Solidarity Bahrain, GPIC, Al Bilad newspaper, Al Ayam newspaper, and Al Watan newspaper.
The honourees expressed their gratitude to HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa for h
is recognition, affirming that the award has become one of the most prestigious in the Arab world, cementing Bahrain’s position as a hub for voluntary work.
Source: Bahrain News Agency