Atwar Bahjat, 30, the Iraqi journalist who tragically lost her life in the course of duty in Iraq, is to be recognised for her achievements on the occasion of International Women’s Day. On March 8, her life will be marked in a special ceremony taking place at Burj Al Arab Hotel, where the 5th Middle East Women’s Achievement Day ceremony will be held.
Mr. Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director of event organisers Datamatix Group said, “Atwar Bahjat’s life, as indeed her death, personifies courage, dedication and inspirational spirit … we are honoured to dedicate this event to her memory.”
Born in 1976, Atwar has embarked on a career in journalism early in life, starting with print media before moving into broadcasting with the Iraqi Satellite Channel, Al Jazeera, and then Al Arabiya News Channel, which she joined in January 2006. Known for her professional integrity and objectivity, Atwar was also the embodiment of non-sectarian harmony - her father is a Sunni, her mother a Shia Muslim.
Atwar, who was brutally murdered along with colleagues Adnan Khairalah and Khalid Mohmaoud Al Falahi, are the latest members of Al Arabiya’s corps to lose their lives in the line of duty. In total, Al Arabiya lost 11 of its employees in Iraq since the start of the war in 2003.
Reflecting on his colleague’s death Jihad Ballout, Al Arabiya’s director of corporate communications, said: “Atwar’s tragedy transcends media reports to symbolize the disastrous events in our region that sometimes claim the ultimate price from journalists.”
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Burj Al Arab today starting 7:30 pm.
Al Arabiya’s slain journalist to be honoured on International Women’s day
Atwar Bahjat, 30, the Iraqi journalist who tragically lost her life in the course of duty in Iraq, is to be recognised for her achievements on the occasion of International Women’s Day. On March 8, her life will be marked in a special ceremony taking place at Burj Al Arab Hotel, where the 5th Middle East Women’s Achievement Day ceremony will be held.
Mr. Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director of event organisers Datamatix Group said, “Atwar Bahjat’s life, as indeed her death, personifies courage, dedication and inspirational spirit … we are honoured to dedicate this event to her memory.”
Born in 1976, Atwar has embarked on a career in journalism early in life, starting with print media before moving into broadcasting with the Iraqi Satellite Channel, Al Jazeera, and then Al Arabiya News Channel, which she joined in January 2006. Known for her professional integrity and objectivity, Atwar was also the embodiment of non-sectarian harmony - her father is a Sunni, her mother a Shia Muslim.
Atwar, who was brutally murdered along with colleagues Adnan Khairalah and Khalid Mohmaoud Al Falahi, are the latest members of Al Arabiya’s corps to lose their lives in the line of duty. In total, Al Arabiya lost 11 of its employees in Iraq since the start of the war in 2003.
Reflecting on his colleague’s death Jihad Ballout, Al Arabiya’s director of corporate communications, said: “Atwar’s tragedy transcends media reports to symbolize the disastrous events in our region that sometimes claim the ultimate price from journalists.”
The award ceremony is scheduled to be held in Burj Al Arab today starting 7:30 pm.
