shape 2026 Awards

Woman This Month, Bahrain's leading women's magazine, proudly presents the Woman of the Year 2026 Awards — honouring the extraordinary women who inspire, lead, and shape our nation across every walk of life.

Behind every thriving community are women whose courage, vision, and dedication so often go unrecognised. This year, we change that.

We are proud to announce the introduction of a brand-new GCC category, extending recognition to outstanding women across the wider region — because greatness knows no borders.

Eligibility

Nominations are open to all current residents of Bahrain. The GCC category is open to GCC nationals only.

Submit your nomination at womanoftheyearawards.com and help us celebrate the women who deserve to be in the spotlight.

website-invite-gala-dinner
Icon

Nominations are open now

The closing date is
August 31, 2026.

IconThere are 21 awards across 5 categories

Woman of the Year Awards 2026

1. Business, Innovation & Technology

• Woman in Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Innovation

• Woman in FinTech & Finance

• Woman in STEM

• Woman in Law & Advocacy

• Girl of the Year (Under 18)

2. Creative Industries (Orange Economy)

• Woman in Creative Industries (Orange Economy)

• Woman in Visual & Performing Arts

• Woman in Fashion

• UNIDO Rising Star of The Year (Under 18)

3. Health, Education & Social Impact

• Woman in Health & Wellness Leadership

• Woman in Education & Thought Leadership

• Woman in Beauty & Personal Care

• Woman in Philanthropy & Community Impact

4. Hospitality & Sports

• Woman in Hospitality

• Woman in Culinary Arts

• Woman in Sports

5. Media, Communications, Advocacy & Public Engagement

• Woman in Digital Media & Content Creation

• Woman in Corporate Communications & Public Relations (PR)

• Woman in Marketing

• Woman in Journalism

Special Award

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Honours a woman whose long-term contributions have shaped Bahrain’s society, industry, or culture.

Partner With Us

We invite forward-thinking brands to join us as official partners of the Woman of the Year Awards 2026. This is a distinguished opportunity to align your organisation with Bahrain's most prestigious celebration of women — one that stands for excellence, empowerment, and meaningful impact

Get in touch to find out how we can work together.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

George Middleton

Founder & Publisher

Amna Syed

Creative Partnerships Director

Alison Lillywhite

Sales Director

Transparency and Fairness

The Woman of the Year Awards program is audited by Russel Bedford Assure Audits, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.

Russell Bedford Assure Audit is a professional firm of internationally certified auditors and management consultants, based in the Kingdom of Bahrain, offering audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services.

The nomination selection and voting process will be conducted with complete transparency, with Russell Bedford Assure Audit closely monitoring the results.

Stay Tuned

Nominations for the Woman of the Year Awards 2026 are open now. The closing date is August 31, 2026

Stay Connected

Don't miss a moment. Follow Woman This Month on our official social media platforms for the latest news, nominee announcements and awards updates as they happen.

Subscribe free to our digital edition and be the first to receive exclusive awards coverage and inspiring stories celebrating Bahrain's leading women. Simply tick the subscription box to get started.

Woman This Month — Bahrain's Lifestyle Guide for Her

Since 2002, Woman This Month has been Bahrain's first and leading English-language women's lifestyle magazine — built on a legacy of celebrating women. For over two decades, we have inspired readers across the Kingdom with exclusive interviews, local news, fashion, beauty, wellness, parenting and lifestyle content that puts women at the heart of every page.

Founded in 1978, the Gulf Daily News is Bahrain’s leading English‑language media, offering print, digital, and multimedia editions, serving both the Bahraini and expatriate communities as the voice of the kingdom.

To Create and Launch Bespoke Events

To Sponsor

Gulf Daily News

For any other enquiries