Kuwaiti poet Ahmad Al-Adwani named 2025 Arab Culture Icon

RABAT: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and Communication have announced the late Kuwaiti poet Ahmad Al-Adwani as the Arab Culture Icon for 2025. The declaration was made during a special event held Friday evening as part of the 30th International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat. The celebration was attended by Moroccan Minister of Culture and Communication Mehdi Bensaid, ALECSO Director-General Mohamed Ould Amar, as well as prominent Arab poets, writers, intellectuals, and representatives of Arab diplomatic missions in Morocco. Born in 1922, Ahmad Al-Adwani passed away on June 17, 1990. He is the author of the Kuwaiti national anthem’s lyrics, and his poems have been translated into English, French, Chinese, and Spanish. Al-Adwani also played a significant role in the early development of Kuwaiti theater.

Ahmad Al-Adwani

Mohammad bin Redha, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Antiquities and Museums Sector at NCCAL, received the award on his behalf. Bin Redha told KUNA on Saturday that honoring Al-Adwani is a well-deserved recognition of his legacy. He described the poet as one of the pioneers of Kuwait’s cultural and literary renaissance and a prominent Arab voice who strengthened cultural awareness and national identity. He emphasized that Al-Adwani was a revolutionary poet and dedicated intellectual who believed in the power of words to enlighten and transform society. His impact on Arab creativity is lasting and profound. Bin Redha noted that this tribute is a reflection of Kuwait’s important role in enriching Arab culture and the high regard that cultural icons from Kuwait receive for their enduring literary and humanitarian contributions.

He added that this recognition embodies the spirit of Arab cooperation in promoting culture and honoring its pioneers through initiatives and events that reflect a shared cultural vision and destiny. — KUNA