KUWAIT CITY, Nov 30: The 48th Kuwait International Book Fair concluded Saturday after highlighting the evolution and cultural influence of Kuwaiti media through a prominent panel discussion that drew academics, media experts, and visitors from across the Arab world.

The session, held in the fair’s Culture Pavilion, examined the history, present role, and future prospects of Kuwaiti media. It was moderated by Fahad Al-Husseini and featured Dr. Ahmed Al-Haidar, Head of the Media Department at the International University of Science and Technology; Dr. Fawaz Al-Ajmi, Professor of Media at Kuwait University; and Dr. Hussein Ibrahim, Associate Professor of Media at Kuwait University.

Dr. Al-Haidar outlined the origins of Kuwaiti media, noting the publication of the first magazine, Kuwait Magazine, in 1928 and the launch of Kazma Magazine in 1948. He emphasized the influence of print media—particularly Al-Arabi Magazine, first issued in 1958 and widely regarded as Kuwait’s cultural gift to the Arab world.

He added that Kuwaiti radio began broadcasting in 1951 as a private station before becoming a government service in 1961, coinciding with the establishment of Kuwait TV. He also highlighted the founding of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters and the launch of the first Kuwait Book Fair in 1975, now the third-oldest in the Arab world.

Al-Haidar said Kuwaiti media grew rapidly in the 1940s and 1950s as rising public awareness—fueled by scholarships abroad—shaped the evolution of the press. He described three key phases: an early experimental stage up to 1961; a period focused on national and Arab issues from 1961 to 1990; and the emergence of a post-1990 press centered on local affairs amid expanding government support for culture and media.

Dr. Al-Ajmi said Kuwait today holds strong cultural soft power, supported by both public and official efforts to keep pace with technological change. He praised the influence of Al-Arabi magazine and the contributions of the private sector, noting that Kuwaiti youth have become prominent across social media platforms, excelling in media, arts, and cultural fields.

He pointed to the preservation of national heritage through a digital archive containing around 200,000 hours of television programming since the establishment of Kuwait TV, and noted the important role of private television channels in strengthening the media landscape.

Dr. Ibrahim discussed the future of media amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, saying Kuwaiti media remains well-positioned despite major industry shifts. He said the sector is transitioning from traditional to modern, and now to AI-driven smart media, raising questions about how these technologies will shape content delivery and professional roles.

He noted that AI has already replaced some jobs and altered workflows across multiple sectors, while algorithms now influence both audiences and media producers. He stressed the need for ethical and beneficial use of AI tools to support the profession.

The fair, held from November 19 to 29 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, drew approximately 477,560 visitors. More than 287,000 titles were displayed by 611 publishing houses from 33 countries, including 35,000 new releases.

Among these, 433 publishers participated directly, 178 through agents, and 39 for the first time. A total of 1,240 children’s books were produced under the “I Am the Author” initiative, and 84 publishing houses took part in the Arab Publishers Professional Program.

Events spanned the Cultural Pavilion, Cultural Café, and Children’s Pavilion, featuring seminars, workshops, lectures, and author discussions.

This year’s edition coincided with Kuwait’s designation as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025, with the Sultanate of Oman honored as the guest of distinction. Mohammed bin Al Zubair, retired advisor to the Sultan of Oman for economic planning and founder of Bait Al-Ula, was named the exhibition’s cultural figure for his contributions to supporting Arab culture.

Held under the slogan “Capital of Culture… Home of the Book,” the fair concluded Saturday after ten days of rich cultural engagement and significant participation from across the region.