| Bahrain |
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For the past decades, the Bahraini press has fought alongside the country’s deep-rooted democratic movement for freedom of expression. Following the constitutional reforms in 2002, and with them the abolishment of the State Security Act, many oppositional and independent newspapers, which had been forced to publish elsewhere, especially in Beirut or London, were able to return to Bahrain. The country’s press is among the freest in the Gulf. Did you know? The first newspaper in Bahrain was established in 1936. It was a weekly called Bahrain. |
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| Akhbar al Khaleej |
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Language: Arabic
Established: 1976 Published daily
The oldest newspaper in Bahrain today - established in 1976 - and a staunchly pro-government one, Akhbar al Khaleej often publishes strong-worded editorials, mostly written by its editor-in-chief Anwar Abdul Rahman, which attack the opposition and praise the ruling family. Akhbar al Khaleej also features some critical voices, such as the well-known Ali Saleh, who writes very outspoken anti-corruption columns. It comes with a large daily sports supplement. Website: http://www.akhbar-alkhaleej.com
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| Al Ayam |
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Language: Arabic
Established: N/A Published daily A pro-government newspaper with a liberal profile, Al Ayam somewhat surprisingly combines clear sympathies with the large Shi'a community and declarations of allegiance to the Sunni ruling family. Parallel to its extensive coverage of the activities of the ruling family and the government, Al Ayam features some outspoken, mostly secular columnists, such as Ahmad Juma, Ismat Al Moussawi and Ahmad Kamal, who take to task the edicts of the conservative religious movement and even at times the anti-Western hyperbole of the Pan-Arab nationalists. Besides the sports, business and entertainment supplements that are common for most Bahraini newspapers, Al Ayam has also a special features section focusing on the activities of the parliament. Website: http://www.alayam.com
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| Al Meethaq |
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Language: Arabic An independent newspaper with clear pro-governmental sympathies, Al Meethaq has a good and user-friendly website. It does, however, lacks strong columnists. Website: http://www.almeethaq.net |
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| Al Wasat |
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Language: Arabic The leading independent newspaper, Al Wasat offers some of the best columns in Bahrain as well as a broad selection of writers with diverse affiliations (Shi'a, Sunni, Islamist, nationalist) and a will to criticize the government. The newspaper boasts a streamlined layout and a large culture supplement, called Colours. |
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| Bahrain Tribune |
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Language: English The English-language sister paper of Al Ayam, a pro-government newspaper with a liberal profile, Bahrain Tribune offers a broad coverage of local and international politics of interest to the English-speaking expatriate community and a special focus on issues relating to the large Asian community. Website: http://www.bahraintribune.com |
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| Gulf Daily News |
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Language: English The oldest English-language newspaper. The Gulf Daily News combines tabloid-style sensational headlines with a good coverage of local Bahraini news. Website: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com |
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