Sheikha Bibi recognized by the London Arabia Organization as an inspirational role model
LONDON: Sheikha Bibi Al-Duaij Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chair of the Kuwait Al-Sadu Weaving Society, was recognized Thursday as one of several outstanding Arab women by the London Arabia Organization.
The London Arabia Organization’s awards, now in their eleventh year, aim to highlight the distinguished contributions of Arab women who have become inspirational role models through their achievements in education, culture, literature, entrepreneurship, journalism, science, community service and other fields.
“Creating culture is a shared endeavor, and preserving it is a significant responsibility,” Sheikha Bibi told Kuwait News Agency on the sidelines of the awards ceremony. “The distinguished women honored with this award have achieved success in various fields, all united by a single goal — advancing and celebrating the status of Arab women and empowering them.”
Sheikha Bibi has spent more than a decade supporting the art of Sadu weaving and preserving the legacy of early Kuwaiti weavers. In 2021, she partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support refugee women by empowering them in the field of handicrafts. In 2022, UNESCO accredited the Kuwait Al-Sadu Weaving Society as a non-governmental advisory organization during the 9th General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Bader Al-Munaikh affirmed the award underscores the significance of traditional crafts within Kuwaiti culture. Al-Munaikh expressed pride in Sheikha Bibi’s recognition and praised her decade-long efforts to preserve and promote Kuwait’s cultural heritage through exhibitions and programs held across several countries.
“We reaffirm our support for efforts that aim to showcase Kuwaiti cultural heritage internationally, enriching global relations and fostering closer ties between peoples,” he said.
“The Embassy of Kuwait is proud of the role played by the Chair of the Al-Sadu Weaving Society in emphasizing the value of traditional crafts in Kuwaiti culture. We extend our gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between the Embassy and the Society, reflecting our commitment to highlighting this rich legacy in our cultural initiatives.” Al-Munaikh also recalled the 2024 cooperation agreement between Kuwait and The King Charles Foundation for the exchange of traditional expertise and techniques in the field of cultural heritage. Through this agreement, the Al-Sadu Society contributed by sharing Kuwaiti weaving techniques and artisanal knowledge. — KUNA
