Special Issue Call for Papers

Digital and Social Media Influencers’ Impact on Developing Country Image in Light of GCC National Visions

Abstract Submission Deadline: January 5, 2025

Full Paper Submission Deadline: May 31, 2025

Guest Editors:

Dr. Mohammad Abuljadail, Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Faculty of Communication and Media, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ghayda Abdullah AlJuwaiser, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism and Digital Media, Faculty of Communication and Media, King Abdulaziz University,  Saudi Arabia

Digital and social media influencers are increasingly shaping global perceptions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, supported by the region’s high social media usage. As GCC states advance their respective National Visions, in their efforts to transform their global image, influencers play a pivotal role in showcasing and reshaping these countries’ images to both regional and international audiences. This special issue aims to explore the strategic use of digital and social media influencers in impacting the perception of the GCC states and the Gulf region as a whole, and invites research that examines influencers’ contributions to the national and global images of GCC countries at this critical junction in their history—where they seek to redefine the reputation of the region within the context of the increasingly significant role they are playing in the global theatre.

The theme issue intends to draw insights from multiple disciplines and explore the dynamic relations between social media influencers and global communication in the digital era and their power to shape--and reshape—the opinions of a growing global audience. We welcome manuscript submissions related to (but not limited to) the following topics:

1.     Social Media Influencers’ Role in Shaping Public Perception

·      Influence of GCC and non-GCC influencers on the Gulf’s national image

·      Cross-cultural comparison of influencers from GCC vs. non-GCC countries

·      Ethical considerations and credibility factors unique to the GCC influencer landscape

2.     Digital Media and Global Communication

·      Techniques used by influencers to advocate for Gulf national agendas

·      Analysis of regional and international platforms’ effectiveness in GCC branding

·      Evolution and future trends of digital media and influencer collaborations

3.     Influencer Advocacy and National Agenda Alignment

·      Role of influencers in promoting national transformation objectives across GCC countries

·      Influencers as advocates for social and economic development issues in the GCC

·      Perceptions of Islamic values in influencer content and their resonance with global audiences

4.     Influencer Trust, Longevity, and Platform Dynamics

·      Factors driving long-term trust in influencers and credibility among Gulf audiences

·      Platform comparisons, including how algorithms and engagement dynamics vary in GCC contexts

Full paper submissions are to be in English and no longer than 25 pages of text.  

This special issue is in collaboration with the 15th Gulf meeting workshop to be held in Cambridge University campus, United Kingdom on July 22-24. All submitters to the special issue are expected to attend the workshop if accepted and special honorarium and visa allowance will be provided for those authors accepted and attending the workshop.  

Workshop info: https://www.gulfresearchmeeting.net/documents/6731ec1ab33c2GRM2025Workshop8Description.pdf 

Participant guide:

https://www.gulfresearchmeeting.net/documents/6731ec1ab33c2GRM2025Workshop8Description.pdf 

Authors are welcome to contact Mohammad Abuljadail: mabuljadail@kau.edu.sa for initial inquiries. All authors are to submit to the GRM workshop site for the abstracts on January 5.

Submission Guidelines

• Final Paper format please refer to the OMGC citation style with structured abstract at: https://www.degruyter.com/journal/key/omgc/html?lang=en#submit

   

• Submit the abstract to:  https://gulfresearchmeeting.net/register-paper-user

  
  

• Select the workshop: Digital and Social Media Influencers’ Impact on Developing Country Image in Light of GCC National Visions

• Submit full manuscript by the May 31 deadline: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/omgc

• Select themed issue: Social Media Influencers and Country Image in GCC

  
  

• Inquiries: OMGC@shisu.edu.cn