(Top Left) Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al- Jarallah delivers remarks during the press conference. Right: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi participates in a panel discussion during a press conference announcing the launch of Kuwait’s activities as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media. (Below)A section of attendees at the press conference announcing the launch of Kuwait’s activities as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 26: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi says the media regulation law will see the light soon and will play a major role in promoting responsible freedom of expression. Acts of aggression against the divine entity, prophets, and the sovereign will be the only transgressions subject to penalty. Al-Mutairi said this during a press conference held yesterday morning at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers in Shaab to announce the launch of the activities of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media, and in response to remarks from the Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah, who was present at the event. Al-Mutairi praised Kuwaiti media, describing it as a leading force in the Gulf and Arab media arena. He highlighted the contributions of the pioneering figures in Kuwait who shaped the nation’s media legacy, which is rooted in art, freedom, and culture, with its influence reaching far beyond regional borders.

Al-Mutairi explained that Kuwait is proud to be chosen as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025, an honor granted annually by the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization and the Council of Arab Information Ministers in appreciation of the contributions countries make to culture and media both regionally and internationally. The title of Arab Capital of Culture is awarded to the city that showcases its role in promoting culture, arts, and literature, and also reflects Arab heritage through cultural programs held throughout the year. It is also granted to the city that plays a major role in developing the Arab media scene, enhancing media diversity, and supporting the modern media infrastructure. Kuwait’s selection for this title represents recognition of its leadership in both culture and media, and affirms its commitment to advancing cultural and media content that reflects its national identity and rich cultural heritage.

He said, “This event reflects the strong patronage that the media and culture sectors receive, as well as the continuous support of 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 the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah. This support has led to cultural and media successes that have strengthened Kuwait’s position both regionally and internationally.” In line with this high-level support, we launched the Ministry of Information’s 2021/2026 strategy under the vision of “Sustainable Media - Pioneering in the Production of Meaningful Content”. We also introduced the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters Strategy 2023/2028, with a vision of “Sustainable Cultural Development and an Environment that Stimulates Creativity”. As a result of these efforts, and the integration of strategies between culture and media, Kuwait was selected as the Capital of Culture for 2025 by the Executive Council of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization, and as the Capital of Arab Media for 2025 by the Council of Arab Information Ministers.

By Medhat Allaam
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff