The American Chamber of Commerce in Kuwait (AmCham Kuwait) marked a major milestone this week, celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a spectacular gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the AmCham community to commemorate four decades of partnership, collaboration, and impact between Kuwait and the United States.
The evening began with a lively performance by a traditional Kuwaiti band, featuring the iconic stick dance that set a vibrant cultural tone. Paola de la Roche, Executive Director of AmCham Kuwait, welcomed guests and invited them to share their reflections on the 40th Anniversary Commemorative Canvas and capture the evening’s moments at the interactive photo booth.
AmCham Kuwait Chairman Pete Swift delivered heartfelt opening remarks, reflecting on the organization’s journey since its establishment in 1985. He expressed deep gratitude to members, sponsors, and the dedicated board and staff whose commitment has driven AmCham’s mission forward for four decades.
Highlighting the evening’s spirit of unity between education and business, Dr. Rawda Awwad, President of the American University of Kuwait (AUK) remarked, “At AUK, we’re building the people who will walk across the bridges that AmCham has built between Kuwait and the United States. For over forty years, AmCham has connected ideas and industries; at AUK, we prepare the graduates who will carry that partnership forward. When business and education work together, we create more than opportunity: we create continuity, understanding, and progress.”
The celebration also recognized AmCham Kuwait’s valued sponsors and partners whose continued support has been vital to the AmCham success.
Presented by Paola de la Roche and Dr. Arezou Harraf, Vice-Chair of AmCham Kuwait, the Excellence Awards recognized long-term members and strategic partners for their outstanding contributions.
The Business Council Partners include — British Business Forum, German Business Council Kuwait, Portuguese Business Council Kuwait, Indian Business Professionals Council Kuwait, Lebanese Business Council Kuwait, Canadians in Kuwait
A highlight of the evening was the anniversary raffle, where guests had the chance to win a wide array of prizes — from luxury dining and hotel experiences to travel and shopping vouchers. The grand prize, a round-trip ticket to the United States courtesy of IFA International Travel & Tourism, drew enthusiastic applause as winners were celebrated on stage alongside sponsor representatives.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Arezou Harraf extended appreciation to all members, sponsors, and partners, emphasizing that AmCham Kuwait’s four-decade legacy is built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared purpose. The evening concluded with guests leaving personal messages on the 40th Anniversary Canvas — a symbolic gesture capturing memories of a night dedicated to celebrating the past, present, and future of the U.S.–Kuwait partnership.
