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

Kuwait’s Undersecretary of Media, Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, affirmed on Thursday the importance of rapidly and accurately conveying government information from official sources, a move that helps bridge the gap between the government’s message and the public and curbs the spread of rumors and misinformation.

His remarks came during a panel discussion titled “The Audience 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 Kuwait represents an integrated system that consolidates the government platforms of ministries, agencies, and institutions, enabling the swift and accurate dissemination of information through official, verified accounts, official spokespersons, and direct appearances by officials across various media channels.

He added that government communication platforms work to simplify official messages, making them clear and accessible to the public, while also leveraging press conferences, television interviews, and other modern tools to enhance direct engagement with the audience.

Dr. Muhaisen stressed the importance of responding quickly to rumors and not allowing them time to spread, noting that rumors thrive in what he described as a “media vacuum”—a time gap devoid of facts. He emphasized the need to fill 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 Shiqqa, a professor of strategic communication and government relations, said during the session that changes in the audience and the ways people consume information have created a new reality for government communication. Information now reaches the public faster, and audiences interact with it immediately through 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 spread. He pointed out that the advancement of artificial intelligence further heightens the importance of direct interaction with the audience as a fundamental element of the communication process.

Meanwhile, 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.

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 provide 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, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council.