Kuwaiti Youth Delegation Emphasizes the Importance of Regulating Digital Content Industry at (Gulf Youth Forum) in Salalah
Muscat, Sept 11 (KUNA) – A Kuwaiti youth delegation participating in the Fourth Gulf Youth Forum in the Sultanate of Oman stressed the need to elevate and regulate the Gulf digital content industry to enhance its role in showcasing the achievements and shared values of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Abdulrahman Al-Rabah, head of the Kuwaiti delegation appointed by the Public Authority for Youth and Sports, told KUNA on Friday that he participated alongside Kuwaiti content creators nominated by the Authority in the forum’s events, held in Salalah this week under the theme “The Future of the Digital Content Industry.”
He added that the delegation, which included Rawan Al-Attiar, Khaled Al-Matrouk, Noura Al-Humoud, Raghad Al-Anizi, and Hamoud Al-Wasmi, emphasized during its participation in the forum’s activities and programs the importance of the digital content industry, which is one of the most influential and widespread fields among Gulf youth.
Al-Rabah noted that this industry has become one of the promising sectors in the “creative economy,” providing spaces for creativity, influence, and professional opportunities for young people. He highlighted its crucial role in highlighting Gulf identity and culture and strengthening their presence in the digital space.
Al-Rabah pointed out that the Kuwaiti delegation presented eight recommendations upon the forum’s conclusion yesterday to be submitted to the GCC Secretariat General, represented by its Youth Department, with a view to presenting them at the upcoming meeting of ministers of youth and sports.
Regarding these recommendations, he said the delegation proposed establishing a Gulf platform to submit ideas for Gulf content creators, serving shared GCC issues and files such as national occasions, economic and developmental achievements, and shared Gulf identity values.
He also referred to the recommendation to facilitate the coordination of coverage for Gulf landmarks and seasons by simplifying coordination procedures for content creators wishing to cover tourist attractions, events, and seasons in GCC countries. He clarified that this should be done through a unified mechanism or a single point of contact in each member state.
As for the delegation’s third recommendation, Al-Rabah stated it concerned the creation of a unified platform for reliable sources and data. This would involve designating a trusted reference platform or database that allows content creators to access accurate figures, statistics, and information, thereby enhancing the credibility of Gulf content and curbing the spread of unverified information.
He mentioned that the delegation considered it important to hold an annual Gulf content creators’ forum or conference. This would involve establishing a permanent annual gathering bringing together content creators from various GCC countries to exchange experiences, showcase successful cases, and discuss industry challenges and developments, serving as an extension of the Gulf Youth Forum’s efforts in this field.
He noted that the fifth recommendation focused on the necessity of a unified guideline for systems and legislation, clarifying the main regulations and laws related to the content industry in each member state, such as disclosure of commercial sponsorships, intellectual property rights, and publication guidelines. This aims to help content creators comply with legal frameworks when working or collaborating across GCC countries.
To strengthen the technical and professional skills of Gulf content creators, Al-Rabah highlighted the Kuwaiti delegation’s recommendation to organize periodic training programs and workshops in partnership with specialized entities, qualifying them to produce more professional content that reflects a positive image of the GCC countries.
He also emphasized the recommendation to launch a “Gulf Content Creator Passport” linked to the establishment of a unified Gulf accreditation for content creators. This would enable holders to operate across GCC countries through a clear and simplified mechanism to obtain permits and media coverage, meaning that “content creators would not start new procedures in each country individually, but rather the Gulf countries would become a single market and field of work for them.”
Al-Rabah said the final recommendation concerned the creation of a Gulf fund for content financing, i.e., launching an annual funding and commissioning program for distinguished Gulf content, particularly content that enhances Gulf identity, tourism, culture, economy, innovation, and youth stories.
Regarding this recommendation, he stressed the importance of support covering production financing and direct commissioning, linking creators with government entities and companies, and supporting the distribution of successful works regionally and globally, thereby transforming content from individual effort into an investable and growing industry.
He expressed hope that these recommendations would receive study and attention from the “Secretariat General,” contributing to the development of the Gulf digital content industry ecosystem and achieving the Gulf Youth Forum’s objectives in empowering youth and supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf work.
Regarding the organization of the forum in the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, Al-Rabah said that, given the importance of keeping pace with rapid digital developments, the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Culture and Sports chose the topic of “Digital Content Industry” to discuss this year, featuring a select group of young men and women from GCC countries through training workshops and discussion sessions.
Regarding the forum’s key activities and programs, he clarified that members of the Kuwaiti delegation shared their experiences in content creation with Gulf delegations, exchanging views and experiences, and presenting their beginnings in the digital content industry and the challenges they faced. They also participated in a dialogue session titled “Content Creation among Gulf Youth on Social Media Platforms: Reality, Dimensions, Returns, Impact, and Opportunities.”
They also attended two training workshops titled “Content Creators: Skills of Influence and Building Gulf Soft Power” and “Institutionalizing the Digital Content Industry: From Individual Initiative to Integrated Team: ‘This is Oman’ as a Model.”
He noted that Kuwaiti delegation member Rawan Al-Attiar was chosen to deliver the speech of the participating Gulf delegations on their behalf at the closing ceremony, where it received great praise from attendees and participants. The forum’s main events were held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Cultural and Sports Complex.
According to Al-Rabah, the forum’s activities also included tourist trips to key locations in Dhofar Governorate, including Wadi Darbat, Al-Haffa Souq, Land of Frankincense Museum, Al-Sultaniyyah Date Farm, and a tour in an open-top bus, during the forum’s stay from September 5 to 10. (End) M.J.B./S.M.A.
