In a Doha meeting room where the language of national security met the daily rhythm of newsrooms, a group of editors, military officers, government advisers, and media trainers came together to confront a question that has become urgent for every modern state: how does a country protect the truth when falsehoods can be manufactured and spread in seconds? The panel discussion, organized by the Qatar Press Centre in partnership with the Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, brought together participants from the seventh National Defence Course, editors-in-chief of local newspapers, and representatives of government and security institutions. Their focus was not merely on the technical side of artificial intelligence or the latest digital tools, but on something deeper: the safety of Qatari society in an age of information warfare. The conversation was framed by the understanding that media and security are no longer separate worlds. In fact, they are increasingly the same battlefield. Jaber al-Harmi, vice-chairman of the Qatar Press Centre, put it simply and powerfully: “The media has always served as a primary and significant line of defence.” He reminded everyone that the media is not just a business or a source of entertainment; it is a national institution with a responsibility to present an accurate image of Qatar and its achievements, while actively refuting false claims and disinformation. Most importantly, he said, cooperation between media institutions and state entities cannot be reserved for moments of crisis. It must be continuous, built through trust and habit, so that when a storm arrives, the lines of communication are already open.
This idea of an ongoing relationship, rather than an emergency response, was echoed in the words of Faisal al-Mudahka, editor-in-chief of Gulf Times. With decades of experience in Qatari journalism, al-Mudahka described what he called a “war of narratives,” a quiet but relentless battle in which Qatar has repeatedly found itself the target of smear campaigns. These campaigns, he observed, often follow familiar patterns even when the circumstances change. They adapt, they find new platforms, and they exploit new technologies. One of the most concerning developments he raised was the growing use of artificial intelligence in media campaigns during regional conflicts. He pointed to instances in which Iranian-affiliated entities allegedly used AI to promote their narratives and target Gulf states. This is not science-fiction talk; it is happening now, and it means that the enemy is no longer just a competing news outlet or a hostile politician, but an algorithmically amplified story designed to look real. Al-Mudahka also reminded the audience that newspapers themselves are navigating a difficult digital transformation. Many publications were founded long before the internet existed, and their ability to evolve depends heavily on ownership structures, resources, and institutional flexibility. For him, the challenge is not simply keeping up with technology, but doing so without losing the values that made the press credible in the first place. It is a human challenge as much as a technical one, and it requires media leaders to think strategically about their role in protecting the country rather than just chasing clicks.
The conversation then turned to the place of traditional media in a world dominated by social media. Faleh Hussein al-Hajri, editor-in-chief of Al-Arab, argued that recent events have proven how important a strong, credible press is when a country comes under attack. He was careful not to dismiss new platforms, but he insisted that traditional media can remain relevant if outlets are willing to adapt to changing circumstances while holding on to content quality and credibility. In other words, the future does not belong to those who abandon old values for new formats, but to those who carry their integrity across every platform. Mohammed Haji, editor-in-chief of Al-Watan, added a crucial distinction that resonated throughout the room: the difference between popularity and genuine influence. A social media account with millions of followers may look powerful, he noted, but that does not mean it has the ability to address societal concerns or analyze regional developments in a meaningful way. Large audiences can be hollow; real influence requires knowledge, judgment, and the trust of the public. This led him to advocate for developing a new generation of responsible influencers, people who understand public issues deeply and can engage with them seriously rather than simply performing for attention. Another speaker, Awad al-Ahbabi, an adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a former deputy ambassador to Venezuela and Albania, took the idea further by proposing the formation of a specialized group of qualified media commentators. These would be people capable of appearing on television and discussing current affairs with strong subject knowledge and cultural awareness, not just talking heads filling airtime. Al-Ahbabi also sounded a warning about over-reliance on artificial intelligence, reminding the audience that while AI can assist human beings, it cannot replace the judgment, empathy, and context that genuine understanding demands.
Beyond the discussion of problems, the panel also produced concrete ideas for solutions. Eng. Hamad Jassim al-Bahar, representing the Ministry of Municipality, proposed an ambitious project called Al-Hudhud, named after the hoopoe bird known in regional tradition for its keen sight and ability to see what others miss. The proposed platform would be an integrated smart media-monitoring system, capable of tracking news, analyzing emerging trends, identifying the sources of publishing, and assessing the potential impact of content about Qatar. Such a system would give authorities a clearer picture of the information landscape, allowing them to respond to rumors quickly and effectively instead of reacting blindly after damage has been done. Al-Bahar also highlighted the potential of influencers and content creators as a form of soft power. Instead of viewing them with suspicion or ignoring them, he suggested building a professional and legal framework to support their work, so that their creativity and reach could serve the national interest in responsible ways. This idea reflected a broader theme of the day: the need to work with the new information ecosystem rather than simply defend against it. Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, general manager of the Qatar Press Centre, offered another piece of the puzzle. He explained that the centre has been active since mid-2023, supporting newspapers, media professionals, and content creators through training programmes that focus on verifying information, professional reporting, and countering disinformation. But he also outlined an even more ambitious goal: developing versatile journalists who can write, film, and edit content for multiple platforms. In an age where one person may need to produce a story for print, video, and social media within hours, this kind of adaptability is essential. The aim is not just to equip journalists with technical skills, but to make them thoughtful professionals who can navigate a complex information environment without losing their ethical compass.
Inevitably, the discussion moved to the relationship between civilian media and military and security institutions. This is often a delicate subject, because press freedom and security needs can appear to be in tension. But the participants at the Qatar Press Centre panel seemed determined to find a constructive path. Brigadier-General Khamis Mohammed al-Muraikhi, director of Airport Security at the Ministry of Interior, proposed the creation of a joint committee made up of media and security representatives. Such a committee would identify the specific requirements of both sides and develop a coordinated media strategy, so that communication is clear, consistent, and grounded in shared understanding. This would not mean controlling the media; it would mean ensuring that both sides know how to work together in ways that protect the country without undermining the credibility of its press. Other speakers stressed the need to protect media sovereignty against AI-generated misinformation, a phrase that captures the fear that foreign actors might use deepfakes, automated accounts, or manipulated content to confuse the public and damage trust. They also called for official statistics and data to be communicated clearly and transparently, so that citizens are not left to rely on rumors or outside sources for basic information. Perhaps the most delicate balancing act involved the public’s right to information and the need to protect sensitive security details. The consensus was not that one should win over the other, but that a mature system should allow both to coexist, with mutual respect and clear guidelines. This requires maturity on both sides: journalists who understand that some information cannot be published, and officials who understand that transparency builds trust and that secrecy, when overused, becomes a breeding ground for speculation.
As the panel drew to a close, the conversation returned to a theme that had run through every speaker’s remarks: the relationship between press freedom and responsibility. On one hand, participants were clear that a free press is a strategic asset. It gives a country a voice, a way to tell its own story, and a means of holding power accountable. It can expose corruption, inform citizens, and build a sense of shared identity. On the other hand, the same power can be dangerous. Irresponsible reporting, whether driven by deliberate malice, careless shortcuts, or the pressure to be first, can spread panic, damage innocent people, and even threaten national security. The words of Jaber al-Harmi echoed again in memory: the media is a line of defense only if it is trustworthy. In the end, the discussion did not produce a neat formula or a single solution. It produced something perhaps more valuable: a shared recognition that the challenges of artificial intelligence, disinformation, and information warfare cannot be solved by any one institution alone. They require a partnership between journalists, security officials, educators, and content creators, built not on fear but on mutual respect and a common purpose. The human element remains central. Behind every algorithm is a choice made by a person; behind every story is a decision about what to verify and what to publish; behind every rumor is a community trying to make sense of an uncertain world. Protecting Qatar in the digital age, the panel seemed to say, is not about building walls. It is about building trust, one truthful story at a time, and making sure that the people who shape the information landscape understand the weight of their responsibility. In a world of narratives, the strongest defense is still the truth, told consistently, credibly, and with the courage to stand behind it.