UAE Honoured at Arab Media Forum in Kuwait Amid Calls for Unified Digital Media Legislation
Kuwait City, The Gulf Observer: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and the UAE Media Council (UAEMC), led the United Arab Emirates delegation at the Arab Media Forum held in the State of Kuwait. This year’s edition of the forum, which runs until May 12, is being held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and is themed: “Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation.”
The UAE is participating as the Guest of Honour in recognition of its pioneering role in Arab media and its contributions to responsible journalism, media innovation, and intercultural dialogue on a regional and global scale.
Delivering his keynote address, Abdulla Al Hamed underscored the enduring strength of UAE-Kuwait relations, describing them as a fraternal model guided by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He noted the deepening cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the media sector, reflecting shared historical ties and aspirations for progress.
Al Hamed conveyed warm greetings from the UAE’s leadership and thanked participants for their commitment to advancing the media’s mission in the face of complex regional and global challenges. He also expressed deep appreciation to the State of Kuwait for naming the UAE as Guest of Honour, and commended Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, for convening a successful and impactful forum.
“The UAE views media as a key partner in national development,” said Al Hamed, “a mirror of our achievements and a visionary tool for shaping the future.” He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a modern, value-driven media ecosystem, aligned with international standards and rooted in Islamic, Arab, and humanitarian principles.
Addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, Al Hamed acknowledged the power and peril of social media platforms. While these tools offer immense potential for communication and knowledge sharing, he warned that they are often exploited to spread misinformation, division, and societal harm.
In response, he called for a unified Arab legislative framework to govern digital platforms, one that would safeguard freedom of expression while curbing misuse, promoting ethical content, and reinforcing social responsibility across the Arab media landscape.
Al Hamed also emphasised the need for a renewed media narrative that blends professionalism with adaptability, integrates technological innovation with traditional values, and restores media’s credibility as a trusted source of information and a shaper of public opinion.
The Arab Media Forum continues to serve as a leading platform for collaboration and dialogue among Arab media leaders, providing opportunities to strategize collectively in an era defined by technological disruption and digital transformation.
