Deputy Minister of Media: Speed and accuracy of government information are key to countering rumors
The Kuwaiti Deputy Minister of Media and a group of specialists emphasized the necessity of accurate and swift government communication during the 2026 Arab Media Summit in Dubai.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
Kuwait’s Undersecretary of Media, Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, affirmed on Thursday 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 came 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 Zaarour and featured a number of specialists and officials in the field of government communication.
Muhaisen stated that the Government Communication Center in 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, verified accounts, official spokespersons, and direct appearances by officials across various media outlets.
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He added that government communication platforms work to simplify official messages so they reach the public clearly and easily, while also leveraging press conferences, television interviews, and other modern tools to enhance direct engagement with the audience.
Muhaisen emphasized the importance of responding swiftly to rumors and not allowing them time to spread, noting that rumors thrive in what he described as a “media vacuum”—a period devoid of facts.
He stressed 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 underscored 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 Shaqqa, 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 reaches audiences faster, and the public interacts with it immediately through social media and news channels.
Shaqqa added that the challenge is no longer limited to disseminating information, but extends to building trust amid the proliferation of news and narratives and their rapid spread. He pointed out that the advancement of artificial intelligence further highlights the importance of direct engagement with the public as 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, said during the session that the public now expects faster access to news and reliable information, compelling government entities to develop their tools and methods to keep pace with the rapid evolution of social media.
Al-Nawaiseh explained that government entities face the challenge of balancing the speed of information dissemination with its reliability, emphasizing the need to update government communication tools to reach the widest possible segment of society and deliver 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 United Arab Emirates 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.
