KUWAIT: Over the past nine months, Kuwait has hosted a series of cultural and media events marking its selection as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025, a title that crowns decades of creativity, cultural leadership, and contribution to Arab thought and media. The recognition reflects Kuwait’s enduring role as a hub of knowledge, culture, and innovation in the region. Chosen by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Council of Arab Information Ministers, Kuwait’s designation underscores its pioneering role and steadfast support for culture and media in all forms.
Since independence, Kuwait has embraced a comprehensive cultural vision, making culture a cornerstone of national development and media a bridge for cultural dialogue. Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi inaugurated the celebrations on February 13 in the presence of several Arab ministers, cultural figures, and media leaders. In his speech, Al-Mutairi affirmed Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to fostering thought, creativity, and cultural identity, noting that Kuwait’s initiatives have long shaped the intellectual awareness of Arab generations.
The celebrations began earlier with the 30th Al-Qurain Cultural Festival (February 3–12), a landmark event that has showcased three decades of artistic and literary excellence. The festival’s opening ceremony, which honored Saudi intellectual Dr Abdullah Al-Ghadami, featured a rich program of music, literature, and arts, including a musical performance titled From Kuwait blending traditional and modern Arab art forms.
On February 15, the Public Authority for Youth, in cooperation with Kuwait University, launched the Pulse of Culture project, which continued until April. The initiative included 38 cultural activities—ranging from workshops and training courses to competitions—aimed at enriching students’ cultural experience and enhancing their creative skills. In April, a symposium titled Culture in Kuwait Before Oil brought together academics and historians to explore the country’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. Kuwait’s participation in the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale on May 10 further highlighted its creative vision, with a pavilion curated by young Kuwaiti talents emphasizing national identity and innovation in contemporary architecture.
As part of ongoing cultural reforms, NCCAL Secretary-General Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar announced on May 16 the approval to rename the State Encouragement Award as the State Creativity Award in Arts, Literature, and Humanities, reflecting a broader recognition of creative excellence across generations. In July, Minister Al-Mutairi issued a decision to reorganize the mechanism of theatrical and artistic performances in Kuwait, ensuring the continued growth of cultural expression.
Later that month, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) honored media personality Amal Abdullah and literary critic Saleh Al-Gharib with the Gulf Creatives Award for their contributions to Arab culture and media. Kuwait also participated in the 39th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts in Jordan, showcasing local literary works and traditional handicrafts, including dhow-making and bisht weaving.
Kuwait’s cultural prominence continued to gain recognition regionally when, on July 30, the Arab Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage announced the inclusion of the iconic Kuwait Towers in the Arab Heritage List under the category of modern architecture. This was followed by ALECSO’s confirmation on August 1 of the Towers’ inclusion in the Arab Register of Modern Architectural and Urban Heritage.
Concluding the summer’s activities, the eighth Summer Book Fair opened on August 24 at the Alumni Association headquarters, featuring a wide range of cultural institutions and publishing houses. From literature and arts to architecture and heritage, Kuwait’s journey as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025 stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to creativity, knowledge, and cultural exchange—solidifying its position as a beacon of Arab intellect and innovation. — KUNA
