The Kingdom’s private educational institutions gathered for an evening of celebration as Gulf Insider hosted the Bahrain Education Awards 2025. 23 winning institutions, their representatives, educators and students, as well as leading names from around Bahrain, made their presence known at the Grand Ambassador Ballroom of The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa.
The awards, as always, celebrated the institutions and their contributions to student development and innovative teaching methods. The initiative dates back to 2022, when the Bahrain Education Awards were first launched with an aim to showcase creative solutions that schools and universities are implementing to tackle modern educational challenges.
The quality of projects, now in the fourth year, has continued to grow, with themes such as skill building, ethical AI use, sustainability, global connections, mental health, and inclusive education. The shift is clear: it’s no longer just about exam results. It’s about preparing young people to think critically, adapt confidently, and contribute meaningfully wherever life takes them.
It was this spirit that the Bahrain Education Awards 2025 honoured at the gala ceremony.
A Celebration of Academic Progress
The evening featured various live performances that highlighted the talents of students from different educational levels. Students from Nadeen School, Bahrain School, and the University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) performed musical pieces throughout the event. In addition, a close-up magician entertained guests, keeping everyone engaged between the formal award presentations.
Speaking at the event, Nick Cooksey, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf Insider, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the fourth edition of the Bahrain Education Awards, honouring some of the most remarkable innovations in the Kingdom’s education sector. These institutions have shown incredible resilience and creativity in enhancing student experiences.”
For the Bahrain Education Awards 2025 edition, Gulf Insider joined forces with Jotun Paints, Porsche Centre Bahrain, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa, and Gul Flowers.
Arun Menon, Country Manager of Jotun Paints Bahrain, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting the sector. He stated, “Bahrain’s focus on promoting academic excellence and innovation is proudly supported by Jotun Paints, a leading name in the region’s paints and coatings industry. As the official sponsor of the Gulf Insider: Bahrain Education Awards, Jotun is reinforcing its dedication to community development and the nation’s future.”
Similarly, Timothy Price, General Manager of Porsche Centre Bahrain, discussed the link between education and social progress. He said, “At Porsche Centre Bahrain, we believe that true progress is driven by people. Supporting education is an investment in future innovators, leaders, and thinkers who will shape our society. Through our partnership with the Bahrain Education Awards, we are proud to champion excellence, ambition, and lifelong development.”
The Selection Process and Criteria
The Bahrain Education Awards is more than just a ceremony; it documents the Kingdom’s evolving educational landscape and how the Kingdom’s institutions are addressing the needs of today’s learners. The process began months in advance, with institutions from across Bahrain submitting detailed entries about their latest innovations. These entries needed to show how a specific project or policy improved the learning environment or student results.
Gulf Insider recorded these insights and specific best practices in its publication. By focusing on specific innovations, the awards promote a culture of transparency and shared knowledge within the academic community.
Future Outlook for the Education Sector
The 2025 awards occur at a time when Bahrain is placing more emphasis on human capital as a key part of its national vision. The mix of winning institutions reflects the broad effort to modernise curriculum and teaching standards.
The evening also invited heads and administrators of various institutions to network. Many attendees talked about the importance of collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions. The involvement of sponsors like Porsche and Jotun signifies a growing trend of corporate social responsibility aimed at long-term educational goals.
As the ceremony wrapped up, attention shifted to the upcoming release of detailed innovation reports. These reports will provide an in-depth look at the achievements of each of the 23 winners. The aim is to create a lasting record of progress that can inspire further development in the future. The Bahrain Education Awards will continue to serve as an annual standard for excellence, encouraging schools and universities to keep innovating for the benefit of their students.
READ MORE: Celebrating Innovation and Excellence in the Kingdom
