Al-Omar: Proposal to Reduce Roaming Prices Among GCC States on the Table at Ministerial Meeting

Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, affirmed on Sunday the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the postal and telecommunications sectors, and of unifying efforts to develop digital infrastructure, enhance service efficiency, and boost readiness to address rapid technological challenges and changes.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after participating in the 30th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Postal and Telecommunications, held in the Bahraini capital of Manama, Minister Al-Omar stated that the meeting represents an important milestone for continuing joint GCC work, coordinating policies and regulatory frameworks, and developing initiatives that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector and the digital economy in GCC countries.

He clarified that the meeting addressed several strategic topics, foremost among them strengthening the security and continuity of telecommunications networks and digital infrastructure, developing mechanisms for coordination and joint response to telecommunications incidents and emergencies, thereby raising operational readiness levels and ensuring the continuity of vital services under all circumstances.

He pointed out that one of the key files discussed was the proposal to reduce international roaming service prices among GCC countries, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to develop telecommunications services and provide more efficient and competitive solutions for citizens and residents, in line with users’ aspirations and to enhance digital connectivity among GCC states.

He added that the meeting also discussed developing legal and regulatory frameworks for online applications and services, mitigating the risks associated with digital services and social media, as well as studying data flows and interconnecting GCC telecommunications networks and developing international links to support infrastructure efficiency and enhance the GCC countries’ position in the digital economy.

Regarding the postal sector, Al-Omar stressed the importance of developing the GCC postal service system, strengthening integration among postal authorities, and leveraging modern technologies to keep pace with the rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics. He noted that developing this sector is one of the key pillars for improving service quality and diversifying economic activities.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing artificial intelligence technologies to develop the telecommunications and information technology sector, improve beneficiary experiences, and enhance operational efficiency, while adhering to data protection and privacy requirements. He affirmed that digital transformation has become a fundamental pillar in developing government and economic services.

Minister Al-Omar reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to continuing its active participation in the work of specialized GCC technical committees and working groups, and to supporting joint initiatives and projects that contribute to enhancing digital integration, exchanging expertise, developing national capabilities, and achieving the GCC’s strategic objectives in the postal and telecommunications sectors.

He expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a sister country, for hosting the meeting and its excellent organization, commending the efforts of the GCC Secretariat General and the relevant technical committees in following up on the implementation of decisions and joint initiatives, and looking forward to the meeting’s outcomes contributing to further progress and integration among GCC countries.

For his part, Dr. Khaled Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology (PACIT), affirmed that the meeting serves as an important platform to enhance coordination and integration among the regulatory bodies of the telecommunications sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He highlighted the significance of the topics discussed, foremost among which are the development of legislative and regulatory frameworks, strengthening the security and continuity of telecommunications networks, and coordinating Gulf efforts to respond to telecommunications incidents and emergencies, alongside discussions on a project to reduce international roaming service prices among GCC member states.

Al-Zamil clarified that the Authority is committed to continuing cooperation with its Gulf counterparts to exchange expertise and harmonize regulatory efforts, thereby contributing to the development of digital infrastructure, improving the quality of telecommunications services, and enhancing network efficiency and reliability. He also emphasized keeping pace with rapid advancements in modern technologies and artificial intelligence, which support the trajectory of digital transformation and shared Gulf integration.

For his part, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Eng. Meshal Al-Zaid, stressed the importance of the meeting in supporting the ongoing Gulf cooperation in the postal sector and developing the postal services system in line with technological and economic changes. He noted that the discussed topics focused on enhancing postal integration among GCC member states, developing postal products and services, and improving operational efficiency, all of which contribute to enhancing service quality and meeting the growing needs of beneficiaries.

Al-Zaid pointed out that the Ministry of Transport is pursuing efforts to modernize and develop the Kuwaiti postal sector by reviewing legislative and regulatory frameworks, upgrading postal infrastructure and services, and leveraging successful Gulf and international experiences. These initiatives aim to enhance sector efficiency, boost its capacity to keep pace with the rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics, and support the state’s directions toward improving services, increasing revenues, and diversifying income sources.