Kuwait city: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) marks its 49th anniversary, celebrating a significant journey of journalistic integrity, national responsibility, and continuous evolution to adapt to modern media and digital transformation needs.
According to Kuwait News Agency, established by Decree No. 70 on October 6, 1976, KUNA has consistently aimed to solidify its position locally, regionally, and globally. The agency has developed its news services, empowered national talent, and embraced forward-thinking initiatives to enhance its role as a trusted media platform.
Driven by its mission as a national media institution, KUNA has dedicated itself to advancing Kuwait's interests by highlighting its just causes, supporting comprehensive development efforts, and showcasing its humanitarian contributions. KUNA's journey is rooted in a clear institutional vision outlined in its founding decree, which entrusted the agency with gathering and distributing accurate, unbiased news to counter misinformation and fill the regional news gap.
Following its establishment, KUNA began building the infrastructure to deliver its media message through partnerships with government entities, NGOs, and regional and international media institutions. By March 1978, KUNA launched its local Arabic-language broadcast service, which expanded rapidly. In 1980, KUNA began broadcasting in English, and despite the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the agency resumed operations promptly.
The agency's post-liberation era saw continued growth, including the launch of a telephone news service in 1994 and the establishment of the Center for Development of Media Skills in 1995. KUNA embraced digital advancements in the 2000s, launching a website and later introducing "eKUNA," a major step in digital transformation.
In recent years, KUNA has strengthened its international partnerships and earned accolades for its media initiatives. The agency has further advanced its media innovation efforts by launching the region's first AI-powered virtual news anchor. In August 2023, the agency inaugurated the KUNA Smart Oasis, a specialized hub for leveraging AI technologies.
In February 2024, KUNA unveiled its new corporate identity and launched a mobile news app, expanding the reach of its services. The launch of the KUNA News Verification Observatory marked a significant step in the agency's mission, ensuring the public receives accurate information and combating misinformation.