A kaleidoscope of Kuwait’s cultural heritage – maritime, desert, and domestic traditions
Pavilion provides visitors with a vivid glimpse into the Kuwaiti way of life, displaying authentic items from the Kuwaiti home, desert, and sea
At the International Crafts Festival in Zulfi, Saudi Arabia, Kuwaiti artisans and creatives are proudly showcasing an impressive array of traditional heritage items that reflect Kuwait’s deep-rooted cultural identity.
The event, which runs until May 9, features a Kuwaiti pavilion organized by the Expo 965 team, known for its dedication to preserving and promoting Kuwaiti craftsmanship, reports Al-Rai daily.
The pavilion provides visitors with a vivid glimpse into the Kuwaiti way of life, displaying authentic items from the Kuwaiti home, desert, and sea.
The highlights include ancient household tools, traditional sea artifacts, and desert equipment that were once essential to daily life. Also featured are miniature models of old Kuwaiti ships, traditional qallaf (shipbuilding) tools, and artifacts from the tawash profession—pearl merchants who played a key role in Kuwait’s maritime history.
One of the standout displays is a rare collection of natural pearls, underscoring Kuwait’s rich pearling legacy. The exhibition also features dallahs (traditional Arabic coffee pots), ma’amoul molds (used in making traditional pastries), and handmade tools used in several ancient crafts.
Craft demonstrations include the work of goldsmiths, perfume sellers, pottery engravers, and metalworkers, along with displays of traditional sculpting techniques and fishing net production.
The pavilion also highlights the construction of marine doors and chests, showcasing how woodwork and craftsmanship were tailored to Kuwait’s coastal environment.
In addition, the exhibit includes an extensive selection of folk costumes from different regions and eras of Kuwaiti history, emphasizing the diversity and richness of the country’s traditional attire.
Through this carefully curated pavilion, Expo 965 and participating artists offer a comprehensive representation of Kuwaiti heritage, celebrating not only the objects of the past but the stories, skills, and cultural pride that continue to shape Kuwait’s national identity.
