KUWAIT, 13th May, 2025 (WAM) -- Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, participated in the 28th meeting of the Ministers of Information of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, held on Monday in Kuwait.

The UAE delegation included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Mohammed Aldhuhoori, Executive Director of the Media Operations Sector at the National Media Office; and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Media Strategy and Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council.

In his address, Al Hamed hoped the meeting would successfully outline a roadmap for the Gulf media to effectively reflect the comprehensive and sustainable development achieved by the GCC countries.

He highlighted the UAE's belief in media as a vital partner in the development journey, a driver of awareness, and a form of soft power that contributes to shaping the present and building the future.

He stressed that strengthening media cooperation among GCC countries is a top priority for the UAE, as integration is the foundation for a unified Gulf voice capable of safeguarding achievements, preserving identity, and addressing challenges through balanced and responsible messaging.

Al Hamed underscored the importance of producing content that reflects the uniqueness of Gulf societies and celebrates their authenticity. He called for the development of a media narrative that tells the Gulf story, showcases its diversity, and instils in future generations a sense of pride and belonging-elements, he described, as essential for societal resilience against misrepresentation.

Addressing the changing landscape of media, he stressed the need to define the true role of a "media professional" in the age of digital platforms and widespread access to publishing tools. He noted that media is no longer the exclusive domain of trained professionals, as social media has enabled anyone to broadcast content.

In light of this, he proposed that the designation of media professionals should be based on their responsibilities and adherence to ethical standards, rather than formal titles, distinguishing clearly between freedom of expression and professional journalism.

The Chairman of the National Media Office warned against the misuse of digital platforms, stating that unethical practices could undermine the integrity of media and mislead audiences. Al Hamed argued that such practices erode the core values of responsible media and hinder its role in supporting societal issues and protecting cultural and intellectual security.

Within this context, he added that the UAE proposes the establishment of unified standards for media content across GCC countries. These standards, he suggested, should be binding for global social media platforms to ensure that published content aligns with Gulf values and identity, and to prevent the dissemination of content that contradicts them.

Al Hamed also addressed the ongoing technological revolution, saying that the future of media extends beyond traditional tools like the camera and pen. He emphasised the importance of adapting to developments in artificial intelligence, digital content innovation, and shifting audience behaviour. He affirmed that the Gulf region has the resources and expertise needed to lead in the smart and globally impactful media industry.

In conclusion, Al Hamed invited participants to attend the next meeting in the United Arab Emirates, expressing hope for continued unity, saying the spirit of solidarity seen in Kuwait would carry forward to the UAE. He welcomed delegates to the 29th session of the GCC Ministers of Information, which the country is set to host next year.

Concluding his remarks, Al Hamed invited participants to attend the 29th meeting of the Ministers of Information of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, which will be hosted by the UAE next year. He expressed confidence that the unity and cooperation witnessed in Kuwait would continue in the UAE.

The meeting discussed the topics on its agenda, most notably strengthening joint media work, coordinating positions in international forums, countering targeted campaigns, and supporting content that reinforces Gulf identity and societal values.

During the meeting, GCC information ministers launched a trial version of the new GCC news agencies' mobile application. The app offers access to official news from GCC news agencies, live-streaming of GCC TV and radio channels, and archives of photos and videos, in addition to each agency's social media feeds.

Developed using the latest technologies and artificial intelligence, the application provides users with comprehensive content from across the GCC, aiming to meet the needs of Gulf audiences and support digital media development and cooperation among regional news agencies.