The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed an exceptional evening of entertainment with the Joy Awards 2026 , the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, bringing together a select group of stars from the arts, sports, and influencers from the Arab world and beyond. This edition was distinguished by fierce competition between established dramas and emerging talents, reflecting the significant development taking place in the entertainment sector in the Kingdom and the region.
Crowning young talents and drama stars
In the Favorite New Face category for television series, Omani star Taraf Al-Obaidi the audience and deservedly won the award, thanks to her outstanding performance that garnered praise from both the public and critics. This victory came after fierce competition that included promising names such as Russell Al-Obaidi for the series "Salma," Ali Al-Obaidi for the series "Lam Shamsiya," and Lama Abdel Wahab for the series "Al-A'sha." The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause the moment Al-Obaidi's win was announced, confirming the strong public support for rising talent.
Among the top stars, the esteemed Saudi actor Abdulmohsen Al-Nemer the Favorite Actor award in the television series category, in recognition of his distinguished career and continuous contributions. In the drama awards, the Egyptian series "Ashghal Shaka" won a special award, while "Shari' Al-A'sha" was crowned Best Gulf Series, and "Salma" (Al-Mashriqi) received the Best Series award, with its creators accepting the award amidst great celebration.
Honorary awards and special recognitions
The ceremony wasn't limited to artistic awards; it also included tributes to prominent figures who have influenced the public sphere. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, took to the stage to present the Diamond Entertainment Industry Award to businessman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, in recognition of his global contributions and achievements.
Joy Awards: Context and Significance
The Joy Awards are a key component of Riyadh Season , offering a unique platform to recognize creative talent based on public voting via the awards' dedicated app, thus lending them credibility and widespread popularity. Beyond simply distributing awards, this event serves as a cultural showcase highlighting Saudi Arabia's soft power and reinforcing its position as a global destination for art and entertainment, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the quality of life sector and the support of the arts.
The ceremony is gaining increasing regional and international importance year after year, as it has become the focus of the global press, and it contributes directly to stimulating Arab artistic production and raising the standards of competition, which is reflected positively on the quality of works presented to the Arab public.
