Francophone Diwaniya blends Kuwaiti tradition with French culture
Lebanese Embassy initiative uses Kuwait’s traditional gathering place to promote French language, music and cultural exchange
Kuwait’s traditional diwaniya is offering a distinctive setting for cultural exchange, with the Lebanese Embassy joining hands with the French Institute in Kuwait and the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie to bring French language, music and culture closer to the local community.
Lebanese Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Ghadi Khoury highlighted the importance of using the diwaniya, an integral part of Kuwait’s social life, to encourage cultural communication through initiatives that respect the character of Kuwaiti society while opening doors to Francophone culture.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Francophone Diwaniya, organised as part of Francophonie Month, Ambassador Khoury said the idea grew out of the diwaniya’s special place in Kuwaiti life. Rather than being viewed as a formal or official activity, he said, the diwaniya serves as a space for meeting, conversation and recreation, making it a natural setting for introducing French culture in a way that connects with the community.
The initiative featured a mixed diwaniya gathering, French music and performances by artistes, combining the familiar Kuwaiti social tradition with Francophone cultural expression. Classical French songs accompanied by the oud offered a distinctive musical blend, bringing together French repertoire and Arab musical heritage.
Ambassador Khoury noted that interest in learning French remained present among segments of Kuwaiti society, despite the widespread use of English as an international language across various fields.
The French Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Olivier Gauvin described the Lebanese cultural evening as an exceptional occasion, highlighting Lebanon’s important place within the Francophone world and its close historical and cultural ties with the French language.
He also said that holding the event in a Kuwaiti diwaniya gave it a distinctive character, as the diwaniya remains one of the most prominent social institutions reflecting the traditions and identity of Kuwaiti society.
The event demonstrated how a familiar local gathering place can serve as a bridge between cultures, creating opportunities for people to discover French language and traditions while celebrating the distinctive social heritage of Kuwait.
