Kuwait’s dedication to cultural heritage and the arts was showcased at the official opening of the 30th edition of the Al-Qurain Cultural Festival. The event was inaugurated by Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and President of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature. The festival kicked off with a concert titled “From Kuwait,” held at the drama stage of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center.
Minister Al-Mutairi, representing His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, the Prime Minister, emphasized the festival’s significance as a milestone in Arab cultural history. He highlighted Kuwait’s unwavering support for the arts, literature, and the promotion of cultural identity under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid.
“The Al-Qurain Cultural Festival is not just an event but a historic cultural occasion,” said Al-Mutairi. “It underscores Kuwait’s role in nurturing cultural expression and creative thought, strengthening its position as a cultural hub in the Arab world.”
The opening ceremony aligned with Kuwait’s national celebrations and the beginning of activities for “Kuwait as the Capital of Culture and Arab Media 2025.” Minister Al-Mutairi highlighted the festival’s importance in reaffirming Kuwait’s leadership in advancing Arab culture and its belief in the power of culture and arts as central pillars in societal development.
Since its independence, Kuwait has been at the forefront of fostering a comprehensive cultural vision. The country has initiated numerous cultural projects, institutions, and intellectual endeavors that have solidified its status both regionally and internationally. Some of the notable cultural contributions include publications such as *Al-Arabi* magazine and *Al-‘Alam al-‘Ilmi*, as well as Kuwait’s prominent role in journalism and media as platforms for intellectual discourse and creativity.
The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters continues to support cultural exchange through a variety of events, including art exhibitions, intellectual seminars, theater performances, and heritage activities that showcase Kuwait’s rich cultural legacy. Minister Al-Mutairi reiterated the council’s commitment to promoting cultural partnerships between government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable cultural development.
The festival also marked Kuwait’s cultural policy of openness and collaboration with other nations. “We must continue to protect our heritage, strengthen our cultural identity, and pass it on to future generations using modern policies and advanced technologies,” he added.
The evening featured a performance led by Kuwaiti Maestro Dr. Ayoub Khader, with 50 musicians from Kuwait and the Arab world. Kuwaiti artists Jassim bin Thani, Abdulaziz Al-Masbah, and Abdullah Mubarak participated in the musical showcase, which celebrated both traditional Kuwaiti music and contemporary Arab art. A national song, “With Good People Who Walked,” was also performed by artist Sana Al-Kharaz, with young dancers leading a traditional performance. The event also celebrated the “Tanbura” art form, and a choir performed songs by the late Abdullah Al-Ruwaished.
The Al-Qurain Cultural Festival, under the theme “Thirty Years of Leadership and Giving,” will run until the 12th of February. The festival will continue to feature a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, music performances, literary discussions, and intellectual seminars, and will honor Saudi cultural figure Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghami for his contributions to the arts.
