Al-Qurain Cultural Festival showcases Kuwait’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage

• Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said Kuwait has pioneered the establishment of an integrated cultural vision since its independence, supporting cultural initiatives and launching pioneering institutions, intellectual, and creative projects that have strengthened its status at both the Arab and international levels.

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, and the representative of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, Prime Minister, officially opened the 30th edition of the Al-Qurain Cultural Festival with a concert titled “From Kuwait,” according to Q8-Press.

Minister Al-Mutairi, in a speech during the opening at the drama stage of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, said, “I am honored to be among you as the representative of the sponsor of this festival, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, Prime Minister, may God protect him, who pays great attention to culture, thought, and creativity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid.”

Minister Al-Mutairi added that the Al-Qurain Cultural Festival is a historic cultural event and a milestone on the map of Arab culture, reflecting the State of Kuwait’s deep commitment to supporting the arts and literature and promoting cultural identity.

He further explained that the launch of the Al-QurainCultural Festival this year coincides with our national celebrations and the start of the activities of “Kuwait as the Capital of Culture and Arab Media 2025,”highlighting Kuwait’s leading role in supporting Arab culture and developing its pathways, based on its firm belief that culture and the arts are the main pillars of building and revitalizing society.

He stressed that the State of Kuwait has pioneered the establishment of an integrated cultural vision since its independence, supporting cultural initiatives and launching pioneering institutions, intellectual, and creative projects that have strengthened its status at both the Arab and international levels.

He stated that this leading role has been evident in distinguished publications such as Al-Arabi magazine, Al-‘Alam al-‘Ilmi (The World of Knowledge), Al-‘Alamal-Fikri (The World of Thought), Al-‘Alam al-Thaqafi(World Culture), Al-‘Alam al-Masrah (World Theater), and Global Creations, in addition to Kuwaiti journalism, which has long been and continues to be a platform for thought and creativity.

He emphasized the keenness of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters to continue supporting thought, creativity, and cultural exchange among peoples through various events, including art exhibitions, intellectual seminars, theatrical and musical performances, and heritage activities that highlight Kuwait’s ancient cultural and artistic history and national identity.

Minister Al-Mutairi continued that “In this context, we are working through this festival to translate the objectives outlined in the strategy of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature by strengthening partnerships and cooperation between government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable cultural development.”

He also noted that since its independence, the State of Kuwait has followed a cultural policy based on openness and communication with other cultures—an approach rooted in a strategic vision that seeks to consolidate the role of culture as a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding.

He added, “We must continue working to protect our national heritage, strengthen our cultural identity, and pass this heritage on to future generations with honesty and responsibility, by adopting modern policies that utilize advanced technologies to promote cultural production.”

Minister Al-Mutairi expressed his deep thanks and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization of the activities of this important event, invoking God Almighty to bless the efforts and help us all serve our country under our wise leadership. He wished the Al-Qurain Cultural Festival continued success and brilliance.

The concert, whose media general was Hashem Asad, included a musical performance titled “From Kuwait,” which blended authentic Kuwaiti art and contemporary Arab art. It was led by Kuwaiti Maestro Dr. Ayoub Khader, accompanied by 50 of the most prominent musicians from Kuwait and the Arab world, with performances by Kuwaiti artists Jassim bin Thani, Abdulaziz Al-Masbah, and Abdullah Mubarak.

The ceremony also featured a miniature operetta, a national song titled “With Good People Who Walked,” performed by the talented artist Sana Al-Kharaz with the rhythm of “Al-Daza,” accompanied by a group of young girls who led the dance for this art. Additionally, the art of “Tanbura” was presented in its traditional form, and a choir performed a selection of songs by the late artist Abdullah Al-Ruwaished.

The festival’s activities will continue until the 12th under the slogan “Thirty Years of Leadership and Giving,” combining arts, music, literature, and intellectual seminars. The festival will also honor Saudi Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghami.