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ShareKUWAIT: The Qurain Cultural Festival officially opened its 30th edition on Monday night with a musical performance titled “from Kuwait”. The representative of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi inaugurated the highly renowned festival at the Drama Theater at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, with a speech. He said the Qurain Festival is a rich cultural event and a landmark on the map of Arab culture. It reflects Kuwait’s deep commitment to supporting the arts and literature while enhancing its cultural identity.
He emphasized that since its independence, Kuwait has been pioneering in establishing a comprehensive cultural vision, supporting cultural initiatives, and launching leading institutions and creative projects, which have strengthened its position both regionally and internationally. This role has manifested in distinguished publications, such as Al-Arabi, and in Kuwaiti journalism, which continues to serve as a platform for thought and creativity.
He also highlighted that this year’s Qurain Festival coincides with national celebrations and the commencement of activities for Kuwait, Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025. This alignment underlines Kuwait’s leadership in supporting Arab culture and developing its pathways, stemming from its firm belief that culture and the arts are the foundational pillars for building and advancing society.
Minister Al-Mutairi reaffirmed the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters’ commitment to supporting thought, creativity, and cultural exchange between nations through numerous activities such as art exhibitions, intellectual seminars, theatrical and musical performances, and heritage activities that shed light on Kuwait’s rich cultural history and national identity.
He further noted, “Through this festival, we are working to implement the strategy of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters to enhance partnerships and collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable cultural development.”
Minister Al-Mutairi pointed out that since its independence, Kuwait has followed a cultural policy based on openness and communication with other cultures, a policy underpinned by a strategic vision that aims to establish culture as a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding.
He added: “Today, we are required to continue working on protecting our national heritage, strengthening our cultural identity, and passing this legacy to future generations with sincerity and responsibility, by adopting modern policies that benefit from advanced technologies to enhance cultural production.”
The Minister expressed his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to organizing this important event, praying for divine blessings and success in all efforts aimed at serving the nation under the wise leadership. He wished the Qurain Cultural Festival continued success and excellence.
The opening ceremony, hosted by media personality Hashim Asad, included a musical performance titled “From Kuwait”, which combined traditional Kuwaiti music with contemporary Arab art, conducted by Kuwaiti maestro Dr Ayoub Khoder, accompanied by 50 musicians from Kuwait and the Arab world. The performance featured Kuwaiti artists Jassim Bin Thani, Abdulaziz Al-Misbah, and Abdullah Mubarak.
The ceremony also included a mini operetta, a patriotic song by the esteemed artist Sanaa Al-Kharraz, with a Dazza rhythm, accompanied by a group of young girls performing a traditional dance. Additionally, the festival featured a Tanboura performance, and a set of songs by the beloved artist Abdullah Al-Ruwaishid, performed by a choir.
The festival will continue until February 12 and will feature various cultural, musical, and literary events as well as intellectual seminars. The festival will also honor Dr Al-Ghathami, a Saudi personality, as this year’s honored guest.— KUNA
