Manama, The Information Ministry announced that the application period for Al Dana Drama Award has concluded. The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC). The award is organised by the Ministry of Information in partnership with the Gulf Radio and Television Organistion (GRTO), coinciding with the 16th edition of the Gulf Radio and Television Festival, set to take place in Bahrain in late May. Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, the Minister of Information, commended the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid for the Al Dana Drama Award. Dr. Al Noaimi said that this patronage has served as a significant incentive for creators and artists to participate. The minister emphasised that the Al Dana Drama Award is a significant step that enhances competitiveness among Gulf and Arab artists. Dr. Al Noaimi h ighlighted that over 70 Gulf and Arab TV series applied for the Al Dana Drama Award across its ten categories. A jury of experienced critics and specialists will evaluate the submissions, announce the nominees on the award website, and present the awards at the festival's opening ceremony. The minister expressed appreciation for the GCC Radio and Television Authority's efforts in promoting the artistic movement in GCC through meaningful TV and drama productions that reflect the identity of the region. He underscored that the council was dedicated supporting the growth of the Gulf art scene, leveraging the creative energies present in various artistic sectors across the GCC. The Minister of Information praised the cooperation with the Gulf Broadcasting Corporation in preparing for the 16th Gulf Radio and Television Festival. He affirmed the Ministry's commitment to making this year's edition more distinguished and wished continued success to the applicants for the Al Dana Drama Award. Majri Mubarak Al Qahta ni, the Director-General of the Gulf Radio and Television Organistion, Secretary General of the Festival, expressed appreciation to Bahrain, represented by the Ministry of Information, for its ongoing cooperation in promoting Gulf media and drama. He also commended the support made offered by Bahrain to ensure the success of the biennial Gulf Radio and Television Festival held in the kingdom. Al Qahtani said that the high number of entries for the inaugural Al Dana Drama Award reflects the artistic community's recognition of its importance and impact on the future of Arab and Gulf drama. He added that the award encourages artists to continue developing and providing the best in drama and wished all participants success. The Al Dana Drama Award has 10 categories: best GCC Drama (social series, comedy series), best arabic drama, best first actor, best first actor, best first actress, best emerging actor (young actor, young actress), best soundtrack, best script, and best director. Source: Bahrain News Agenc y