Today's Edition
KUWAIT (WAM)
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO), and Chairman of the UAE Media Council (UAEMC), led the UAE delegation to the Arab Media Forum in the State of Kuwait.
The forum commenced on Sunday under the patronage of Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and will continue until May 12 under the theme, 'Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation'.
The UAE is participating as the Guest of Honour at this year’s edition of the event, in recognition of its pioneering position in the Arab media landscape, and its significant role in supporting and developing the media system at both regional and international levels. The recognition affirms the UAE’s distinguished contributions to promoting professional and responsible media practices, and enhancing cultural dialogue and civilisational communication between peoples.
Addressing the event, Abdulla Al Hamed said that the UAE-Kuwait relationship is a unique fraternal model that grows deeper with time, thanks to the wise leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Al Hamed noted that this bond is flourishing day by day, moving steadily toward broader horizons of cooperation, particularly in the media sector, reflecting historical ties and the aspirations of the two nations’ peoples for a brighter future.
At the beginning of his speech, Al Hamed conveyed greetings from the UAE’s leadership, and deep appreciation to all forum participants for their constructive efforts in advancing the media mission, promoting awareness, and upholding values in the face of regional and global challenges.
Al Hamed expressed sincere gratitude to Kuwait for selecting the UAE as the Guest of Honour, and praised the forum's success across previous sessions in strengthening cooperation among Arab media institutions. He also thanked Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and his distinguished team for organising a forum that brings together elite Arab media leaders and offers valuable opportunities for collaboration.
Media as a bridge
The NMO Chairman affirmed the UAE’s solid belief that media is a vital partner in development and progress, serving as a mirror of achievements and a lens toward the future.
"The UAE commits to building a modern media system aligned with global advancements, delivering distinguished content that reflects its Islamic and Arab identity and noble humanitarian values, ensuring that media serves as a bridge connecting past, present, and future,” Al Hamed said.
He acknowledged the immense challenges facing media today, particularly with the rise of social media, "While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for human connection and knowledge sharing, they are also misused to spread division, hatred, misinformation, and societal disruption."
Al Hamed called for the creation of a joint Arab legislative framework to prevent misuse of these platforms, promote social responsibility, and protect freedom of expression from distortion and abuse.
Al Hamed highlighted that the Arab region is undergoing a critical phase marked by rapid change and complex challenges across sectors. One major challenge is the overwhelming openness of the digital space, which demands that media institutions reassess their tools and messaging strategies. The ability to persuade, he noted, now hinges more on the depth, authenticity, and relevance of content to audiences rather than sheer quantity.
He stressed the need for a renewed media discourse—one that combines professionalism and flexibility, balances openness to technology with the preservation of core values, and restores media’s role as a trusted source and influencer of public opinion.
Al Hamed also outlined the UAE’s latest media initiatives aimed at enhancing media quality, upgrading standards, and building resilient media thought that keeps pace with change. These efforts, he noted, are backed by the unwavering support of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who places media at the core of the national development strategy as a tool for reinforcing identity, spreading knowledge, and promoting tolerance.
He highlighted the launch of the Global Bridge Summit by the UAE, aimed at establishing international partnerships for an advanced media future built on knowledge, innovation, and shared human values.
The summit will serve as a sustainable platform connecting East and West, enhancing media integration, and aligning with digital transformations to shape a more responsible and impactful future for media.
Al Hamed extended an open invitation to attend the summit, and contribute ideas on advancing Arab media and reinforcing its international presence. He emphasised that participants’ insights will greatly enrich the summit, and help achieve its noble goals.
"The media is used today as the weapon of our time and a powerful tool for change and influence," Al Hamed said, calling for making it an "instrument of construction and development, a bridge for communication and dialogue among peoples and cultures, and a platform for truth that reflects our values and identity and contributes to building a better future for our nations and peoples."
He concluded by stressing that rebuilding responsible media capable of engagement and competition is no longer optional—it is an urgent necessity.
"This requires unified Arab media visions, updated messaging, and a focus on supporting sustainable development and the interests of Arab nations," Al Hamed said.
UAE Pavilion
The UAE is participating in the 2025 Arab Media Forum with a dedicated pavilion showcasing its national media journey, from its ambitious beginnings to a flourishing present and a forward-looking future. The pavilion uses hologram technology to offer visitors an immersive experience of the UAE media milestones through a blend of storytelling and innovation.
The UAE pavilion showcases three key phases reflecting the trajectory of the national media. The first phase highlights its role as a mirror to the voice of the Union in its early days, conveying messages of unity, identity, and belonging at a time when resources were limited but ambition was boundless.
The second phase witnessed a significant evolution, integrating advanced infrastructure with professional content, underpinned by the values of tolerance and openness, positioning the UAE media as a pivotal player in the regional and global landscape.
The final phase, representing the present day, illustrates the UAE's ongoing commitment to enhancing its media presence through an ambitious future-oriented vision. This vision calls for collaboration with various nations worldwide, and the exchange of expertise to keep pace with the rapid changes in media tools and methods, ensuring an effective response to contemporary challenges.
