Deputy Minister of Media: Speed and Accuracy of Government Information Key to Countering Rumors - Sarmad

Kuwait’s Undersecretary of Media, Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, emphasized the importance of rapidly and accurately conveying government information from official sources, thereby helping to bridge the gap between the government’s message and the public, and curbing the spread of rumors and misinformation.

This statement was made during a panel discussion titled “The Public Has Changed… Has Government Communication Changed?” held as part of the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai. The session was moderated by journalist Hiba Zahrour and featured a number of specialists and officials in the field of government communication.

Dr. Muhaisen stated that the Government Communication Center in the State of Kuwait represents an integrated system that consolidates the government platforms of ministries, agencies, and institutions, contributing to the swift and accurate dissemination of information through official and verified accounts, official spokespersons, and direct appearances by officials across various media channels.

He added that government communication platforms work to simplify the official message so it reaches the public clearly and easily, while also leveraging press conferences, television interviews, and other modern tools to enhance direct engagement with the public.

Dr. Muhaisen stressed the importance of responding quickly to rumors and not allowing a time window that permits their spread, noting that rumors thrive in what he described as a “media vacuum”—a period devoid of facts.

He affirmed the necessity of filling this vacuum with accurate and clear information, even if not all details are available initially, with the understanding that they will be completed later. He emphasized that speed of response must always be coupled with accuracy, transparency, and consideration of the nature and scale of the rumor.

For his part, Dr. Nidal Shiqqa, a professor of strategic communication and government relations, said during the session that changes in the public and in how information is consumed have imposed a new reality on government communication. Information now spreads faster, and the public interacts with it immediately via social media and news channels.

Dr. Shiqqa added that the challenge is no longer limited to delivering information, but extends to building trust amid the proliferation of news stories and narratives and their rapid dissemination. He pointed out that the advancement of artificial intelligence further underscores the importance of direct interaction with the public, as it is a fundamental element of the communication process.

In his turn, Dr. Zaid Al-Nawaiseh, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, stated during the session that the public now expects faster access to news and reliable information, which requires government entities to develop their tools and methods to keep pace with the rapid evolution of social media.

Dr. Al-Nawaiseh explained that government entities face the challenge of balancing the speed of information delivery with its reliability, emphasizing the need to update government communication tools to reach the widest possible segment of society and to present information more effectively.

The Arab Media Summit 2026 concludes its proceedings today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, following three days of specialized sessions and events. The summit is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the guidance of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.