Kuwait is actively preserving traditional crafts by hosting the second World Crafts Forum at the Kuwait National Library. This event highlighted the country’s dedication to preserving traditional crafts while promoting cultural exchange and creative economy growth. The forum coincided with the 31st Qurain Cultural Festival, emphasizing heritage preservation through dialogue, collaboration, and public engagement.
Organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) in partnership with Al-Sadu Society and the World Crafts Council, the forum included nine panel discussions. Experts from diverse backgrounds, such as craft leaders, policymakers, researchers, and artisans, discussed the role of crafts in economic and cultural development. They aimed to produce practical recommendations, which will be issued as the Kuwait Declaration.
Meanwhile, an international crafts market ran from February 1 to 3 at the Kuwait National Museum. Around 30 local and international artisans displayed their creations, enabling direct interaction, cultural exchange, and support for craft-based livelihoods. Visitors could experience the significance of craftsmanship and connect traditional practices with modern creativity.
Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, highlighted the importance of maintaining traditional crafts as part of Kuwait’s national identity. He said, “Preserving traditional crafts ensures knowledge passes from one generation to the next and strengthens our heritage.” He also praised the Al-Sadu Society for safeguarding the Sadu craft, contributing to Kuwait’s recognition as a global city for Sadu.
Director General of Al-Sadu Society, Sheikha Bibi Al-Sabah, added, “Crafts express identity, sustain communities, and reflect humanity’s shared culture.” Her remarks emphasized the social and emotional value of heritage.
Saad Al-Qaddoumi, President of the World Crafts Council, commended Kuwait’s global leadership in craft initiatives. He also noted that Kuwait has served as the regional headquarters for Asia-Pacific and continues to lead the Arab State Region. He stated, “Crafts are living systems of knowledge, identity, and livelihood that shape the future.”
The forum honored artisans past, present, and future, recognizing their efforts to connect cultures and sustain communities. Kuwait’s role in preserving traditional crafts strengthens its position as a hub for cultural dialogue, creative economies, and heritage innovation.
By hosting the World Crafts Forum, Kuwait demonstrated that preserving traditional crafts is not only heritage protection but also a commitment to shaping cultural and economic futures worldwide.
