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Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait hailed as a beacon of regional media leadership
KUWAIT: Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi praised Kuwait's selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, which represents a well-deserved recognition of its pioneering role in supporting Arab media, strengthening cultural identity, and reinforcing professional values. Speaking at the opening of the 20th Arab Media Forum that was held on Saturday under the theme 'Media Challenges in the Era of Technological Advancement and Digital Transformation', the minister noted that this designation coincides with the current forum session, giving it special momentum to continue delivering the media message with advanced vision and collective responsibility. He emphasized that digital media has become the main driver of societal trends, an effective tool in shaping public opinion, building awareness, and enhancing interaction between individuals and institutions, stressing the importance of adapting to rapid technological transformations with professional competence and strategic foresight for a more advanced media future. He highlighted Kuwait's continued leadership, crediting the support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for consolidating Kuwait's media position through strengthened infrastructure and strategic initiatives. Among the most notable of these initiatives, he said, was the launch of a virtual reality documentation platform that archives Kuwait's cultural and media heritage for future generations, blending authenticity with modernity. The Minister expressed pride in the United Arab Emirates being chosen as the guest of honor, calling it a 'Well-deserved choice for a country that has made a clear mark in supporting Arab media, embracing the latest technologies, and producing content that reflects its regional and global leadership.' He added that the Arab Media Forum has become a dynamic platform for addressing media issues and sharing expertise, stating 'This year's edition will explore the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and digital platforms. And there is a need to develop professional and legislative frameworks that align with these changes.' Minister of Information,Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi speaks at the event. Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al-Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madi and the Minister of Information honor Zain Kuwait's Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer Waleed Al Khashti. For his part, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al-Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, called for the adoption of a joint Arab media legislative framework to curb the negative use of digital platforms, emphasizing the need to promote social responsibility and protect freedom of expression from abuse and misinformation. He expressed the UAE's pride in being named the guest of honor and extended his appreciation to the leadership of Kuwait, especially His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, for this generous gesture. Al-Hamed emphasized that the UAE's media strategy is rooted in a firm belief that the media is a key development partner, reflecting current achievements and envisioning future possibilities, noting that the UAE is working to develop a modern media system that aligns with global progress and expresses Islamic, Arab and human values. Despite the opportunities presented by social media, he warned of the dangers of misuse, particularly in spreading rumors, inciting division, and threatening societal stability, stressing the need for Arab cooperation to confront such challenges. He concluded by stating that the media is a civilizational weapon and an effective tool for enlightenment and influence, urging it to be used as a bridge for communication between nations and a foundation for building a bright future for the region. In his remarks, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum Madi Abdullah Al Khamis praised its leadership in Arab media and its vital role in advancing the industry. He reaffirmed that the forum has always worked to build an independent Arab media framework capable of meeting challenges and driving development. Al Khamis pointed out that Arab media today faces unprecedented challenges, especially digital transformation, the rise of numerous platforms, and the blurring of truth and fiction, explaining that these developments require a complete reassessment of the media ecosystem, with a focus on responsibility in communication, maintaining professionalism, and updating media tools. He stated 'The real challenge lies not only in adapting to change, but in leading it with wisdom, vision, and innovation,' concluding by celebrating Kuwait's selection as Capital of Arab Culture and Media, describing it as 'authentic Arab recognition of Kuwait's deep-rooted role in supporting free thought and media leadership.'
Arab Times
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Youth Theater Days Festival honors Hayat Al-Fahad, recognizes emerging talent
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: The Kuwaiti Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, emphasized the importance of theater in fostering cultural dialogue and reinforcing the position of culture, arts, and literature as a means of mutual understanding. His remarks came during the closing ceremony of the 15th Youth Theater Days Festival, held at the Abdulhussain Abdulredha Theater in Salmiya. In his speech, Al-Mutairi described the cultural forum as one of the most significant theatrical events supporting youth and reflecting Kuwait's unwavering commitment to promoting artistic and cultural creativity. He pointed out that the festival coincides with Kuwait being named the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025. The Minister further stated that the festival serves as a vital platform that nurtures the talents of youth, encourages theatrical innovation, revitalizes the spirit of Kuwaiti theater, and connects generations in their creative journeys. Al-Mutairi explained that the festival provides a fertile environment for discovering new talent and presenting it to the public, while also highlighting the role of theater as a key tool for cultural and social expression. He noted that these activities are in line with the strategy of the Public Authority for Youth, the festival's organizer, to achieve sustainable cultural development. The festival supports a youth policy based on openness and communication with other cultures. Al-Mutairi also acknowledged the State of Kuwait's significant achievements in theater, attributing this success to the efforts of its creators and the unwavering support of Kuwait's wise leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The Minister expressed his admiration for the exceptional career of the renowned artist Hayat Al-Fahad, who has become an iconic figure in the Arab and Kuwaiti artistic scene. Al-Mutairi commended her distinguished contributions to the dramatic and theatrical landscape, highlighting her work as an inspiration for multiple generations. He also praised her selection as the festival's honored personality as a tribute to her accomplishments and efforts in Kuwaiti and Arab arts. In his concluding remarks, Al-Mutairi thanked the organizing committee of the festival and everyone who contributed to making the event a success. He also congratulated the winners of the festival's awards. In response, artist Hayat Al-Fahad expressed her gratitude for the festival's decision to honor her, particularly as it coincided with Kuwait's national holidays. She thanked Minister Al-Mutairi and the officials at the Public Authority for Youth for this recognition. Al-Fahad praised all the participating theater groups, acknowledging their outstanding performances, which earned the admiration of the audience. She stated that their participation itself was a victory and reiterated her readiness to support young artists in their continued efforts to advance Kuwaiti theater. Minister Al-Mutairi, along with Nasser Al-Sheikh, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth, and the supervising committee, presented the festival's awards. The play Backstage Scream by the Trend Company won the Best Integrated Theatrical Show award. The same play also received the Best Lighting award, which was given to artist Fadel Al-Nassar, as well as the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards for Mohammed Al-Muslim and Shahd Khosro. The Kuwaiti Theater Group's play A Critical Evening won five awards, including the Excellence Award for Acting Performance, awarded to Abdullah Al-Balushi, Best Makeup for Istiqlal Mal Allah, Best Music and Musical Effects for Mohammed Al-Basiri, Best Costumes for Fatima Al-Azmi, and Best Decor for Khaled Al-Salem. The Gulf Theater Group's Monkey's Claw won three awards, including Best Leading Actor and Actress for Mohammed Al-Kazemi and Fatima Asad, as well as the Jury Award, presented by the Trend Company to Ahmed Ayad for his role in the play. The Arab Theater Group's The Game in the Box won the Best Playwriting Award for Musa Bahman, while Musab Al-Salem received the Best Play Direction Award for his work on A Corpse on the Sidewalk. With these accolades, the 15th Youth Theater Days Festival concluded, leaving a lasting mark on Kuwait's vibrant theater scene.
