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Kuwait eyes cultural revival as Capital of Arab Culture 2025

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Balancing heritage and modernity, Kuwait aims to strengthen regional cultural role

KUWAIT: As Kuwait assumes the title of Capital of Arab Culture 2025, attention turns to its evolving cultural policy, which straddles the line between preserving national identity and expanding international cultural influence. Melissa Tedafi, a contemporary history specialist in Franco-Arabic cultural diplomacy and policies at Nantes Université, outlined Kuwait’s cultural ambitions during a roundtable at the University of Strasbourg’s Middle East and Muslim World Studies Congress. She highlighted how these ambitions are shaped by the country’s historical legacy, institutional challenges and modern aspirations within a competitive Gulf context.

“Cultural policies in Kuwait constitute an area of public intervention at the crossroads of national identity, social development, and international openness,” Tedafi explained. “They are part of a dynamic that is both conservative and modernizing.” This duality is a defining feature of Kuwait’s cultural landscape. On one hand, the state works to preserve its traditional roots and heritage; on the other, it seeks to become a regional hub for intellectual and artistic exchange.

A legacy of cultural pioneering

Tedafi noted that Kuwait’s cultural influence predates its independence in 1961. In the mid-20th century, it became a haven for Arab intellectuals fleeing authoritarian regimes, establishing itself early on as a center for artistic and intellectual life. “Even before independence, Kuwait positioned itself as a major intellectual and artistic center, welcoming Arab thinkers and writers fleeing nationalist or Islamist dictatorships,” she said.

This pioneering role was driven by two key forces: An educated Kuwaiti elite committed to modernist values and openness, and a desire to carve out a distinct national identity amidst regional giants such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Today, the government continues to reinforce this identity through institutions like the Department of Antiquities and Museums and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Strategies include educational outreach, youth engagement and the training of tourist guides and cultural mediators.

Gulf War trauma and institutional fragmentation

Kuwait’s cultural momentum suffered a major setback during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, a trauma that still echoes in national memory. “The Iraqi soldiers looted and burned the national museum to erase all traces of national identity. Only part of the objects were recovered by the state,” Tedafi said. Beyond this historical trauma, structural challenges persist. While the NCCAL remains the main institution safeguarding Kuwait’s heritage, Tedafi noted that weak inter-institutional coordination hampers cohesive cultural development. “Cultural policies are often dependent on one-off initiatives, poorly articulated with global foreign policy. This fragmentation harms any coherent soft power strategy.”

Constraints of conservatism

Despite enjoying relatively greater press freedom than some Gulf states, cultural expression in Kuwait is constrained by conservative laws and social norms. “Kuwaiti culture is governed by restrictive legislation: Censorship of artistic works deemed ‘immoral’ or ‘blasphemous’, publication bans, legal sanctions against critical authors,” Tedafi said. “This control considerably limits cultural vitality, and consequently the country’s ability to project an image of openness and intellectual freedom.” These limitations present a challenge to Kuwait’s efforts to present itself as a tolerant and diverse cultural space — a key objective in light of the 2025 designation.

A strategic soft power shift

Despite these constraints, Kuwait views culture as a pillar of both national cohesion and international diplomacy. “The designation of Kuwait as Capital of Arab Culture 2025 represents a major opportunity to consolidate the country’s position as a leading cultural center in the Arab world,” Tedafi emphasized. “It allows the country to reveal its commitment to creativity, tolerance, and cultural diversity, while providing a platform to showcase achievements in the arts and strengthen intercultural dialogue internationally.” The year ahead offers Kuwait a unique chance to align its cultural ambitions with tangible execution — if it can overcome institutional fragmentation and ideological barriers.

A modest yet strategic regional model

Unlike Gulf neighbors such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which pursue cultural dominance through lavish investments in projects like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Education City, Kuwait follows a more restrained path. “Since the 2000s, Kuwait has been part of a regional trend where culture becomes a tool for soft power,” Tedafi observed. “However, unlike Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, which rely on massive investments, Kuwait adopts a more modest approach, but no less strategic.”

This strategy is built on three pillars: Promoting national heritage, particularly maritime history, Bedouin traditions, calligraphy and vernacular architecture; supporting local cultural industries such as theater and popular music, where Kuwait has historical strengths; and fostering international educational and cultural partnerships, including Arabizing scholarships, co-financing events in the West and active engagement with UNESCO.

The Capital of Arab Culture 2025 title presents a rare opening for Kuwait to redefine its cultural standing. To fully seize this moment, the country must pursue greater institutional coherence, loosen restrictive cultural laws and invest steadily in both domestic arts and international outreach. Standing at a critical crossroads, Kuwait must now choose whether to continue its path of strategic modesty — or lead with a bold, culturally vibrant model of soft power in the Arab world.

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IICO launches program in cooperation with PAMA

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KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) has launched its annual summer training program in cooperation with the Public Authority for Minors Affairs (PAMA), under which 20 students sponsored by the authority will be received during July and August. Director of the Volunteer Work Department at IICO, Khaled Al-Shuaib, said in a statement to KUNA that the initiative aims to introduce the participating students to the principles of charitable work, while enhancing their practical capabilities and preparing them to play a future role in volunteerism and humanitarian efforts.

Al-Shuaib noted that the program reflects ongoing cooperation between IICO and PAMA in executing charitable projects that support marginalized groups and improve their quality of life, both locally and internationally. Among these initiatives, he said, is a partnership agreement to implement programs that support people with disabilities, and launch joint projects in areas such as social care and education.

He explained that the summer training is designed to instill a sense of social responsibility in youth by nurturing their talents and equipping them with vital skills in communication, teamwork and volunteer service. The initiative also falls in line with IICO’s strategic vision to strengthen the volunteer capacities of future generations and promote a culture of giving and national belonging.

Al-Shuaib pointed out that IICO attaches great importance to volunteerism through its network of volunteer teams. He said more than 731 volunteers participated in 40 teams last year, serving over 25,000 beneficiaries across Kuwait. He added that the IICO has previously implemented several charitable projects in cooperation with PAMA, including a recent initiative in the Republic of Tajikistan. The organization established a primary and preparatory school, a fully equipped medical center, an artesian water well with a storage tank and operating system, and a water distribution network. — KUNA

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Kuwait and UK bolster ties

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Crown Prince, PM meet UK FM • Three agreements signed • Close cooperation hailed

KUWAIT: HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace on Sunday UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Lammy during his official visit to Kuwait. The meeting was attended by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs Sadeq Marafi, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UK Bader Al-Munaikh and UK Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis.

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also received Lammy. During the meeting, both sides touched on enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries. The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Abdulaziz Al-Dakheel, Marafi, Al-Munaikh and Lewis.

On Saturday, Al-Yahya received Lammy and his accompanying delegation. The visit comes to bolster bilateral relations between the two countries and support ways to boost cooperation. The latest round of strategic talks between Kuwait and Britain produced a trio of agreements aiming to propel bilateral relations to greater levels, the foreign ministry said on Sunday, praising the longevity and proximity of these ties.

The talks, presided over by Al-Yahya and Lammy, come some 126 years after diplomatic relations began in earnest, while trade ties date back more than 250 years, according to a foreign ministry statement. The history of relations between Kuwait and London is dotted with instances of camaraderie and cultural exchange, in addition to productive cooperation across fields ranging from healthcare to education, the statement cited the Kuwaiti top diplomat as saying, highlighting Britain’s commitment to protect Kuwait’s security.

On bilateral relations, the British foreign secretary said that London is proud of the “strategic partnership” linking the two nations, which continues to make significant headway across multiple fields, added the statement. The talks also covered a wide array of pressing matters of mutual concern, while the Kuwaiti and British foreign ministers exchanged their views on ongoing developments around the region and beyond, agreeing that the deals signed serve the collective interests of both nations, it said. The next round of talks is slated to take place in London next year, the statement said.

Lammy said the UK is working to strengthen cooperation with Kuwait in trade, investment and business, in addition to security and defense, particularly in light of the current challenging global security environment, especially in the Middle East. In an exclusive statement to KUNA on Sunday at the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute in Kuwait, the British secretary emphasized the historic and robust relationship between the UK and Kuwait. He pointed out that the two countries enjoy a “deep close friendship” that goes back more than a century.

He added that the bilateral relationship is built on strong people-to-people and cultural ties, as well as a solid partnership in defense and security that dates back to 1899, when official relations were established and laid the foundation for long-term cooperation and friendship. Lammy highlighted the strong educational and cultural links between the two nations, stressing that the presence of 10,000 Kuwaiti students in UK universities forms a strong basis for the future of the relationship.

Lammy explained that his visit falls within the framework of the strategic dialogue between the two countries, which aims to outline the next phase of bilateral cooperation. He noted the UK’s strong economic standing in Europe and Kuwait’s prominent role in the Gulf and the Middle East, saying that this partnership enables both nations to achieve significant progress together. He also noted that the visit comes at a time of serious geopolitical challenges and humanitarian suffering around the world.

Lammy emphasized both countries’ commitment to working together to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza, underlining their joint efforts to push for a ceasefire and continued collaboration on humanitarian matters. Lammy added that UK-Kuwait cooperation also contributes to addressing other global crises in countries such as Sudan, Somalia and Yemen, where diseases and humanitarian emergencies are widespread.

Lammy expressed his satisfaction with the signing of memoranda of understanding, which unify resources and development visions, not only for the benefit of both countries, but also for children, women and all those suffering worldwide. He also pointed out that the UK has recently launched a new industrial strategy that outlines the government’s investment priorities, noting that there are promising opportunities for cooperation with Kuwait in sectors such as defense, space, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, life sciences and sustainable and renewable energy, all of which can contribute significantly to both economies. – KUNA

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KFAED, UK sign MoUs to assist Sudan, Somalia

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KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to deliver joint emergency humanitarian aid to conflict-affected populations in Sudan and Somalia. In a statement to KUNA on Sunday, KFAED announced that both sides will jointly provide a humanitarian grant totaling $10 million—$5 million from each party—to support the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Sudan.

The assistance will help maintain access to essential services including healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, and child protection for vulnerable populations in the country. An additional grant of $5 million ($2.5 million from each side) will be allocated to finance a joint project supporting the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Somalia, the Fund added.

Acting Director General of KFAED Waleed Al-Bahar said the agreements underscore the Fund’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding. He emphasized that this renewed cooperation with the UK will facilitate the exchange of expertise and unify efforts to assist the most vulnerable communities in Sudan and Somalia, while reinforcing Kuwait’s leading humanitarian role regionally and globally.

Mamadou Sow, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, praised the partnership as a symbol of shared humanitarian commitment. He noted that the grant goes beyond financial support, sending a strong message of solidarity with the Somali people. “This cooperation aims to restore vital services in long-marginalized communities, reflecting Kuwait’s long-standing humanitarian leadership and the UK’s enduring role in promoting global solidarity,” he said.

The MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister and Chairman of KFAED’s Board of Directors Abdullah Al-Yahya on behalf of Kuwait, and UK Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy on behalf of the British government. These MoUs fall under the framework of a cooperation agreement signed in February 2020 between KFAED and the UK’s former Department for International Development, establishing the foundation for joint humanitarian action to improve living conditions for refugees, displaced persons, and communities impacted by wars and natural disasters worldwide. — KUNA

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