emirates7 - Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE's National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, took part in the 28th Meeting of GCC Ministers of Information, held on Monday in Kuwait.
The UAE delegation also included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Mohammed Aldhuhoori, Executive Director of Media Operations at the National Media Office; and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policies at the UAE Media Council.
In his speech, Al Hamed expressed hope that the meeting would lead to a clear roadmap for Gulf media to accurately reflect the comprehensive and sustainable progress achieved by the GCC countries. He reiterated the UAE’s conviction that media is a key development partner, a tool for raising awareness, and a form of soft power essential for building the future.
He emphasized that enhancing media collaboration across GCC countries is a major priority for the UAE. He noted that regional integration is vital for creating a unified Gulf voice—one capable of preserving shared accomplishments, cultural identity, and tackling challenges through balanced and responsible communication.
Al Hamed highlighted the need to develop content that represents the unique character of Gulf societies and celebrates their heritage. He called for crafting a regional media narrative that tells the Gulf story, reflects its diversity, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among younger generations—elements he sees as essential to protecting societies from misinformation and external misrepresentation.
Addressing the rapidly evolving media landscape, he stressed the importance of redefining the role of media professionals in the digital era, where social media has democratized publishing. He noted that anyone can now share content, which makes it essential to distinguish between casual expression and professional journalism—based on ethical responsibility, not just formal job titles.
Al Hamed warned of the potential misuse of digital platforms, cautioning that unethical behavior online can compromise media credibility and mislead the public. He argued that such actions damage the values of responsible journalism and undermine media’s role in addressing social concerns and safeguarding cultural and intellectual heritage.
As part of the UAE’s proposals, Al Hamed suggested creating unified media content standards across the GCC. These standards, he said, should be binding on global social media platforms to ensure that content aligns with Gulf values and does not contradict the region’s identity.
He also addressed the ongoing technological transformation in media, asserting that the future of the industry lies beyond traditional tools. He underlined the importance of embracing developments in AI, digital content, and changing audience behaviors. With its resources and expertise, he said, the Gulf is well-positioned to lead in innovative and globally relevant media.
Al Hamed concluded by inviting attendees to the 29th GCC Ministers of Information meeting, which will be hosted by the UAE next year. He expressed hope that the spirit of unity demonstrated in Kuwait would continue during the upcoming session in the UAE.
The meeting’s agenda included discussions on enhancing joint media efforts, aligning regional stances in international forums, combating disinformation campaigns, and promoting content that reinforces Gulf values and identity.
During the session, GCC information ministers also launched a pilot version of a new mobile app for GCC news agencies. The app offers official news updates, live streaming of GCC TV and radio channels, media archives, and social media integration. Built with advanced technologies and AI, the app aims to serve Gulf audiences by delivering comprehensive content and fostering digital media collaboration across the region.
The UAE delegation also included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Mohammed Aldhuhoori, Executive Director of Media Operations at the National Media Office; and Maitha Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policies at the UAE Media Council.
In his speech, Al Hamed expressed hope that the meeting would lead to a clear roadmap for Gulf media to accurately reflect the comprehensive and sustainable progress achieved by the GCC countries. He reiterated the UAE’s conviction that media is a key development partner, a tool for raising awareness, and a form of soft power essential for building the future.
He emphasized that enhancing media collaboration across GCC countries is a major priority for the UAE. He noted that regional integration is vital for creating a unified Gulf voice—one capable of preserving shared accomplishments, cultural identity, and tackling challenges through balanced and responsible communication.
Al Hamed highlighted the need to develop content that represents the unique character of Gulf societies and celebrates their heritage. He called for crafting a regional media narrative that tells the Gulf story, reflects its diversity, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among younger generations—elements he sees as essential to protecting societies from misinformation and external misrepresentation.
Addressing the rapidly evolving media landscape, he stressed the importance of redefining the role of media professionals in the digital era, where social media has democratized publishing. He noted that anyone can now share content, which makes it essential to distinguish between casual expression and professional journalism—based on ethical responsibility, not just formal job titles.
Al Hamed warned of the potential misuse of digital platforms, cautioning that unethical behavior online can compromise media credibility and mislead the public. He argued that such actions damage the values of responsible journalism and undermine media’s role in addressing social concerns and safeguarding cultural and intellectual heritage.
As part of the UAE’s proposals, Al Hamed suggested creating unified media content standards across the GCC. These standards, he said, should be binding on global social media platforms to ensure that content aligns with Gulf values and does not contradict the region’s identity.
He also addressed the ongoing technological transformation in media, asserting that the future of the industry lies beyond traditional tools. He underlined the importance of embracing developments in AI, digital content, and changing audience behaviors. With its resources and expertise, he said, the Gulf is well-positioned to lead in innovative and globally relevant media.
Al Hamed concluded by inviting attendees to the 29th GCC Ministers of Information meeting, which will be hosted by the UAE next year. He expressed hope that the spirit of unity demonstrated in Kuwait would continue during the upcoming session in the UAE.
The meeting’s agenda included discussions on enhancing joint media efforts, aligning regional stances in international forums, combating disinformation campaigns, and promoting content that reinforces Gulf values and identity.
During the session, GCC information ministers also launched a pilot version of a new mobile app for GCC news agencies. The app offers official news updates, live streaming of GCC TV and radio channels, media archives, and social media integration. Built with advanced technologies and AI, the app aims to serve Gulf audiences by delivering comprehensive content and fostering digital media collaboration across the region.