HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE's National Media Office (NMO) and a member of the Board of Directors of Gulf Media, called for Gulf media to become unified and integrated in the face of sweeping regional and global changes. He made those remarks at the 27th GCC Information Ministers Meeting in Doha — a key annual forum where information ministers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council convene to align media strategy.
Gulf Media Must Unify, Al Hamed Says
Speaking at the Doha summit, Sheikh Abdulla emphasised that narrowing Gulf media practices around shared professional standards and benchmarks is no longer optional — it is essential. Without a coherent, unified media voice, GCC countries risk losing influence in an increasingly competitive global information environment.
Shared Information System and AI Research Proposed
Al Hamed presented concrete proposals to the ministers, including the creation of a shared information system across GCC states and a dedicated research study on the likely impact of artificial intelligence on the media industry. Both initiatives aim to future-proof Gulf media infrastructure and ensure the region keeps pace with rapid technological change.
The meeting also addressed strengthening relations with electronic media outlets and the rollout of an awareness plan designed to promote Gulf values and identity internationally.
Harmonising Media Policy Across the GCC
A central theme of Sheikh Abdulla's address was the harmonisation of media policies among member states, with the explicit aim of raising the GCC's international profile. He argued that a coordinated regional approach — rather than fragmented national strategies — would give Gulf media far greater reach and credibility on the world stage.
The 27th meeting reflected a broader consensus among GCC information ministers that regional media integration is a strategic priority, particularly as AI reshapes how news is produced, distributed, and consumed.
