• Honors institutions and media personalities at opening ceremony
• Nart Bouran: Kuwait has always been present in all our news platforms since we first launched our channel
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs in Kuwait, and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and His Excellency Dr. Bader Hamad Al-Essa, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, Sky News Arabia inaugurated its new bureau in Kuwait.
The opening event held on 8 March was attended by senior Kuwaiti officials, ambassadors and thought leaders, as well as key personnel from Sky News Arabia, local, regional and international media representatives.
The new bureau is anticipated to further strengthen Sky News Arabia’s reach and presence in Kuwait, a key Arab and international media market and a country that plays a significant role in defining the Arab media landscape.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said: “Since its inception, Sky News Arabia has served a pivotal role in regional media with its transparent and unbiased reportage. The channel has consolidated its position in the media landscape through its invaluable contributions to the development of thought and culture in the Arab region. Kuwait has a predominantly open media environment, and we are confident Sky News Arabia will considerably benefit from this liberal policy to provide objective, on-the-ground news coverage.”
Commenting on the opening of the new Kuwaiti bureau, Faisal Al-Qinai, Secretary General of Kuwait Journalists Association, said: “We congratulate Sky News Arabia on the opening of its offices in Kuwait. The facility will allow the channel to provide comprehensive, up-to-date reporting of news in the country. Supporting Arab and international media organizations is a major priority for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information. And, we believe the arrival of global media organisations such as Sky News Arabia will reinforce the credibility of the Kuwaiti media industry on a global level, and eventually ensure the sustained development of the country.”
For his part, Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia, expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Salman for gracing the opening ceremony and commended the hospitality, support and cooperation extended by the Kuwaiti government. He also thanked the Kuwait Journalists Association and Kuwait University for their efforts in this regard.
Bouran said: “I congratulate our beloved brothers in Kuwait for the 54th National Day and the 24th Liberation Day. We wish a bright future for your country, as well as the neighbouring Arab and Islamic nations. Today also marks a momentous occasion for us at Sky News Arabia when we come closer to you in the hope of providing more accurate and more immediate on-ground reporting.”
Commenting on Kuwait’s significance and its leadership in the Arab cultural and media landscapes, Bouran said: “Kuwait has always been present in all our news platforms since we first launched the channel in Abu Dhabi. The Kuwaiti news landscape has been central to us as it has been to the region and the world. Launching our Kuwait bureau today complements our plans to enhance our presence in many Arab and foreign capitals.
“Sky News Arabia will utilize all its capabilities and partnerships with the Kuwaiti media to deliver a comprehensive coverage of the landscape in Kuwait and its international significance. Our platforms will convey the Arab voice to the world and play their role effectively to serve societies.”
The launch ceremony concluded with Nart Bouran honoring His Excellency Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah with the Sky News Arabia shield for his presence and participation. Sky News Arabia also honored a number of institutions and media personalities including Faisal Al-Qinai, Secretary General of Kuwait Journalists Association, renowned sports journalist Khaled Al-Harban and Kuwaiti actress Hayat El-Fahad in celebration of International Women’s Day