Public Relations in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries An Arab Perspective Routledge New Directions in PR & Communication Research Series

The Arab world has engaged in public relations for thousands of years, and the public relations literature provides multiple examples extending from ancient times. However, modern public relations is much more vaguely defined. This is partly because the research surrounding public relations practice in the Middle East remains sparse, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

This book presents a clear picture of contemporary PR practice in this region, providing a background on the evolution of public relations in each GCC country. It shows how environmental factors (historical, cultural, socio-political, and economic) influence practice in the region. It also contributes to public relations scholarship, education, and practice worldwide by providing new perspectives to those unfamiliar with its practice in this region.

This book will benefit scholars and practitioners alike through its informed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of practice in the GCC countries, as well as being of great benefit to the development of professional practice in the region.

1. Introduction 2. The Status and New Directions of Public Relations Practice in Bahrain 3. Public Relations in Kuwait: A Historical, Practical, and Theoretical Perspective 4. Public Relations Units in the Omani Civil Service Sector: Historical Background and Current Characteristics 5. Qatar Public Relations—In Focus 6. Public Relations in Saudi Arabia: An Islamic Perspective 7. A Critical Snapshot of the Practice of Public Relations in the United Arab 8. Conclusion

Talal M. Almutairi is Assistant Professor at Saad Alabdulla Security Academy, Kuwait.

Dean Kruckeberg