Kuwaiti Delegation at the 'Gulf Youth Forum': Enhancing and Regulating the Digital Content Industry
Al-Rabah: We submitted eight recommendations, including the establishment of a unified platform for reliable sources and data
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 the Kuwait News Agency (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.”
The delegation, which included Rawan Al-Attiyah, Khaled Al-Mutairi, 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.
He further 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 its presence in the digital space.
Al-Rabah pointed out that the Kuwaiti delegation submitted eight recommendations at the end of the forum yesterday to be forwarded 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 stated that the delegation proposed the creation of a Gulf platform for submitting ideas to Gulf content creators, serving shared GCC issues and files such as national occasions, economic and developmental achievements, and shared Gulf identity values.
He also mentioned 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 the importance of establishing a unified mechanism or a single point of contact in each member state.
As for the delegation’s third recommendation, Al-Rabah said it concerned the establishment 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 noted that the delegation considered it essential to hold an annual gathering or conference for Gulf content creators. This would involve establishing a permanent annual forum 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 pointed out 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 publishing guidelines. This would help content creators comply with legal frameworks when working or collaborating across GCC countries.
Furthermore, to enhance 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, enabling them to produce more professional content that reflects a positive image of the GCC countries.
He also emphasized the recommendation to launch the “Gulf Content Creator Passport,” linked to the establishment of a unified Gulf accreditation for content creators, enabling holders to operate across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through a clear and streamlined mechanism for obtaining permits and media coverage. This approach ensures that content creators do not have to initiate separate procedures in each country, but rather view the Gulf region as a single market and field of operation.
Al-Rabah stated that the final recommendation concerned the creation of a Gulf fund to finance content, specifically by launching an annual funding and commissioning program for distinguished Gulf projects and content, particularly those that reinforce Gulf identity, tourism, culture, the economy, innovation, and youth stories.
Regarding this recommendation, he stressed the importance of ensuring that support includes production financing and direct commissioning, connecting creators with government entities and companies, and supporting the regional and global distribution of successful works. This would transform content creation from an individual effort into an investable and scalable industry.
He expressed hope that these recommendations would receive study and attention from the General Secretariat, contributing to the development of the GCC digital content creation ecosystem and achieving the objectives of the Gulf Youth Forum in empowering youth and supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation.
On the organization of the forum in the Sultanate of Oman, Al-Rabah noted that, recognizing the importance of keeping pace with rapid digital developments, the Omani Ministry of Heritage, Culture and Sports, and Youth selected “Digital Content Creation” as the theme for this year’s forum. The event featured discussions with a select group of young men and women from GCC countries through training workshops and panel sessions.
Regarding the forum’s key activities and programs, he clarified that members of the Kuwaiti delegation shared their experiences in content creation with other GCC delegations, exchanging views and expertise. They outlined their beginnings in digital content creation and the challenges they faced, and 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: one titled “Content Creators: Influence Skills and Building Soft Power in the Gulf,” and another titled “Institutionalizing Digital Content Creation: From Individual Initiative to Integrated Team: ‘This is Oman’ as a Model.”
He noted that Kuwaiti delegation member Rawan Al-Attiyah was chosen to deliver the speech on behalf of the participating GCC delegations at the closing ceremony, receiving high praise from attendees and participants. The main activities of the forum were held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Cultural and Recreational Complex.
According to Al-Rabah, the forum’s activities also included tourism visits to key sites in Dhofar Governorate, including Wadi Darbat, Al-Haffa Market, the Land of Frankincense Museum, Al-Saltanah Dates Farm, and a tour in an open-top bus, during the forum’s duration from September 5 to 10.
