KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir has issued an Amiri decree appointing Abdullah Sabeeh Boftain as Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture. This move reflects a strategic shift toward injecting “fresh blood” into government work and leveraging professional media expertise rooted in the heart of the Kuwaiti journalistic landscape.
Boftain is recognized as a media figure who successfully bridges the gap between journalism, executive management, and content creation. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait Times, the first English-language daily in the Gulf, and the Executive Director of Kuwait News, one of the most prominent local digital platforms in recent years.
Early career in media
Boftain began his professional journey early in the press field. He worked as an editor for Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas while he was still a university student and later wrote a weekly column for Al-Yaqaza magazine between 2004 and 2008.
He also held various roles in public relations and corporate communications for major institutions, including the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), Alshaya Group, and Qualitynet.
Managerial and entrepreneurial experience
Beyond media, the new minister brings extensive experience in management and entrepreneurship. His portfolio includes:
– Co-founder of Local Flavor, a company specializing in event management and creative marketing.
– Co-founder of the Dawi medical application.
– Board Member of Synergy Holding.
This diverse background heavily influenced his leadership of media institutions. Over the past few years, he spearheaded a transformation at Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, focusing on localized content, the creative economy, and fostering an environment that attracts young talent.
Media presence and awards
Boftain is well-known for his presence as a host of political and social talk shows. His work has earned several accolades, including:
– The Best Interviewer award at the inaugural Kuwait Media Award (Shiraa).
– The Kuwait Creativity Award for a television program in 2020.
– The Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence.
– Inclusion in Forbes magazine’s list of the most influential Arab personalities on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Personal milestones
On a personal note, Boftain was born in Kuwait in 1982. He is married and the father of four children. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Kuwait University.
In 2022, he successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa — a feat that reflects his personal interest in discipline and taking on challenges.
A New phase
Boftain’s appointment as information minister comes at a pivotal time that demands a review of government media roles, the modernization of its tools, and the strengthening of its presence in the cultural and creative scenes. There are high expectations that his multi-faceted experience will help link the media sector to the creative economy and produce content that reflects the image of modern Kuwait.
Abdullah Boftain’s CV
Abdullah Sabeeh Abdullah Ahmed Sultan Boftain
Media Professional | Entrepreneur | Political Talk Show Host
Personal Information
• Born: Kuwait, February 2, 1982
• Marital Status: Married, with four children
• Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance and Financial Institutions), College of Administrative Sciences – Kuwait University (2004)
• Managing Partner: Kuwait News Media Institution.
• Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Kuwait Times (The first English daily in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, est. 1961).
• Board Member: Synergy Holding Company.
• Co-founder: Local Flavor (Specializing in event management and creative marketing).
• Co-founder: Dawi Medical App (A leading project in digital healthcare in Kuwait).
Professional Experience
• Marketing & PR Manager: Qualitynet (2010–2012).
• Founder & Board Member: Shiraa for SME Management and Finance (2008–2010).
• PR & Corporate Communications Manager: M.H. Alshaya Co. (2007–2008).
• PR & Media Office Officer: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) (2004–2007).
• Customer Relations Officer: MicroSolutions Advertising (During university, 2003–2004).
• Editor & Weekly Columnist: Al-Yaqaza Magazine (2004–2008).
• Editor & Journalist: Al-Qabas Newspaper (During university, 2001).
Media & Broadcasting Career
Early Beginnings
• Started as a journalist for Afaq (Kuwait University newspaper) in 2000.
• Student page editor for Al-Qabas (2001).
• Radio host on Marina FM (2005–2007) while working at NBK.
Television & Talk Shows
• Political Hosting: Began hosting political talk shows in 2008 for the National Assembly elections.
• Omma 2009 (Al-Rai TV): Covered parliamentary elections; continued election coverage through 2023.
• Liqa Al-Rai (Al-Rai TV): Weekly political talk show (starting 2009) hosting heads of state and regional leaders.
• Tharf Istithnai (Kuwait TV): Hosted in March 2020 to provide updates and interview officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Social & Lifestyle Programs:
o Fi Hikayatehim (2022) & Ahlam Saida (2023) on Kuwait TV.
o Masahat Taghyir (5 seasons, 2024–2025): Specialized in societal behavior change.
o Kharej Al-Adraj & Rafah (2023–2025) on Al-Rai TV.
Notable Global Interviews & Missions
Boftain has interviewed over 250 prominent figures, including:
• Heads of State: Mahmoud Abbas (Palestinian President), Micheline Calmy-Rey (Former Swiss President).
• Political Leaders: Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed (Former Kuwaiti PM), Saad Hariri (Former Lebanese PM), Ismail Haniyeh (Former Palestinian PM), Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah), Khaled Meshaal (Hamas).
• Parliamentary Speakers: Jassem Al-Kharafi, Marzouq Al-Ghanim, and Ahmed Al-Saadoun.
• Sports: Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United).
• Documentaries: Filmed in New York (2010) regarding interfaith dialogue post-9/11 and documented a historic visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank (2011).
Social Activism & Professional Memberships
• Member of the National Youth Conference (commissioned by the Amiri Diwan, 2012).
• Board Member of the Kuwait Transplant Association (2012).
• Active in political youth campaigns, including:
o Women’s Political Rights (May 2005).
o “Nabiha Khams” (Campaign for electoral reform, 2006).
o “One Heart” (Promoting national unity).
• Member of the Kuwait Journalists Association (2005), Public Relations Association (2007), and Graduate Society (2008).
Key Community Engagements
• 2003: Delivered the historic “Generation’s Message” speech before the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, calling for national reform.
• 2025: Participated in a high-level dialogue on AI and Emotional Intelligence with UAE Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama.
• 2022: Reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• 2016/2024: Speaker at TEDx Shuwaikh and Australian University events.
• 2013: Co-hosted the Arab Journalism Awards in Dubai under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Awards & Honors
• Kuwait Creativity Award (2020): TV Programs category for Tharf Istithnai.
• Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Award (2014): For Journalistic Excellence.
• Forbes (2011): Ranked #11 in the Top 100 Arab personalities on Twitter (X).
• Academic Excellence: Awarded the Golden Medal by the late Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for the “Ma’a Al-Tulaba” program for high-achieving students (1997).
• Poetry: First place in the Arabic Poetry Recitation competition for Kuwaiti high schools (1996).
