Making an impact
Bahrain is set to stage the first edition of the International Influencers Awards tonight, May 29, where digital innovators and content creators from across the Gulf will be honoured in a dazzling ceremony, writes Melissa Nazareth.
The gala event is being presented by TIAH, a globally recognised soft-skills training institute in Seef District, and will witness 28 finalists across 14 categories compete for titles spanning beauty, wellness, education, comedy, arts and more.
Two nominees have been shortlisted for each of the segments in the awards, which are audited by an independent audit firm. The evening will also feature other entertainment, food, and drink, offering guests a lovely time.
In addition to recognising influencers and the work they do, the awards also seek to promote Bahrain as a major destination for tourism and business.
'We're thrilled to be staging an event of this type and scale for the first time in Bahrain and absolutely see this becoming an annual event,' TIAH founder Priyanka Jassal told GulfWeekly.
'We want to showcase Bahrain's ongoing efforts in digital transformation and our commitment to aligning with the national development goals.
'This year, we're also placing a special focus on humanitarian impact. As part of the evening, we will be honouring Bahraini digital voices who are making a real difference in society and using their platforms to inspire positive change.
'We've really focused on being inclusive – our finalists, shortlisted from more than 200 applications, feature creative talents from 15 different nationalities, including Bahraini, Egyptian, Argentine, Italian, Swedish, Kazakhstani, Pakistani, Indian, American, German, and more,' the 37-year-old added.
The Indian expatriate has extensive hospitality experience specialising in the airline industry. After moving to Bahrain with her husband six years ago, she was keen to pursue her passion, which led her to open her own institute.
'I started my career as a cabin crew and since then have nurtured the dream of establishing my own training institute in hospitality. TIAH was born of this passion,' the award-winning entrepreneur, who has travelled to more than 60 countries, noted.
According to Priyanka, the global exposure she received deeply influenced her perspective and inspired her to help others grow personally and professionally.
'I realised that personality development isn't just about image—it's about self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to connect with others meaningfully,' added the recipient of Asia's Top 100 Influential Women Awards' Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2021.
Priyanka hopes to continue engaging with inspiring people in Bahrain and beyond. She also has plans to help individuals from underprivileged groups develop their confidence and expand TIAH's existing programmes to include skills like emotional intelligence and digital communication.
The International Influencers Awards will be hosted at the Ramee Grand Hotel in Seef. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available on Platinumlist.
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