Fourth GCC Forum highlights Gulf women’s pivotal role in journalism and media

Forum for Women Journalists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries reflects “the unity of the word, the responsibility of the message, and the influential role of the media in building awareness and strengthening belonging,” said Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

Speaking at the opening of the forum on today — held under his patronage and organized in cooperation with the Kuwait Journalists Association and the Gulf Journalists Union under the theme ‘The Gulf Narrative of Women in Journalism and Media’ — Al-Mutairi noted the strong support provided by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for the Gulf and Arab media landscape and for women’s empowerment.

He stressed that the event is part of Kuwait’s rich cultural and media activities as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, highlighting the country’s historical commitment to creativity, freedom of expression, and fostering communication among Gulf and Arab nations.

Al-Mutairi said the forum’s theme reflects a firm belief in the pivotal role of Gulf women in journalism and media. “They are a fundamental pillar of the media landscape and an influential voice shaping credible, responsible human discourse that reflects the reality and aspirations of our societies.”

He emphasized that Gulf women today have a distinguished presence across all branches of media—from print to digital platforms, and from editorial roles to leadership and decision-making positions—demonstrating their capability, innovation, and creativity.

The Minister added that the sessions and panel discussions held on the sidelines of the forum serve as an important platform for exchanging experiences, reviewing exemplary practices, and exploring ways to advance Gulf journalism in line with global media developments.

The Ministry of Information, he affirmed, believes that developing the media system requires integrated work and strong partnerships among state institutions, the private sector, and civil society to build purposeful national content rooted in values, knowledge, and creativity.

Al-Mutairi expressed appreciation to the Gulf Journalists Union, the Kuwaiti Journalists Association, and Ministry staff for organizing the event, and thanked all participants from GCC countries. He wished the forum success and expressed hope that its outcomes would enrich joint Gulf media efforts.

Regional Media Leaders Praise Kuwait’s Role

President of the Gulf Journalists Union and President of the Bahraini Journalists Association Issa Al-Shayji said Kuwait was chosen to host the forum as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025 — “a title it fully deserves,” describing Kuwait as “the school of Arab journalism.”

He highlighted the major transformations facing journalism worldwide, calling for joint efforts through institutions like the Gulf Journalists Union to elevate the profession and support media personnel. Al-Shayji praised Gulf women for proving their ability to excel and influence, presenting a distinguished image of Gulf media capabilities.

Member of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Journalists Union and President of the Kuwaiti Journalists Association Adnan Al-Rashed praised Al-Mutairi’s patronage, calling it a turning point for the forum’s future editions. He announced that the fifth edition in 2026 will also be hosted by Kuwait under the Minister’s patronage and will feature a larger number of participants.

Al-Rashed reaffirmed Kuwait’s role as the “capital of Gulf love,” noting the commitment of GCC leaders to supporting journalism in general and women journalists in particular.

Forum Sessions
Today’s program includes a panel titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Gulf Journalism: Between Empowerment and Challenge’ and a closed session between the Ministry of Information’s strategy team and participants to discuss media strategies and women’s empowerment.

Tomorrow, Nov 17, 2025, will feature a dedicated dialogue session for women leaders in the media sector.