The American Business Council – American Chamber of Commerce Kuwait proudly celebrated its Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 19, 2024, at the luxurious Arena VIP Lounge of the Grand Hyatt. The event was a vibrant gathering that brought together members, sponsors, and distinguished guests, all sharing in the spirit of gratitude and camaraderie.
Set against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Hyatt, conveniently located just minutes away from key attractions in Kuwait City, the evening was made possible through the generous support from Platinum Sponsors—Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL) and Kuwait Resources House (KRH); Gold Sponsors—Saudi Arabian Chevron, Gulf Insurance Group (GIG), and MSD; and their Exclusive Airline Partner, Jazeera Airways.
The celebration began with welcoming remarks from the Chairman of AmCham Kuwait, Mr. Pete Swift. “Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and appreciation,” he remarked. Mr. Swift invited guests to join in a round of applause to honor the service members and extended a warm welcome to the guest of honor, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Steven Butler. Mr. Swift also expressed sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for their unwavering support.
The Deputy Chief of Mission, Steven Butler delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the United States and Kuwait. Mr. Butler expressed his appreciation for AmCham Kuwait’s efforts in fostering strong ties and collaboration between the two nations.
Mr. Fadhel A. Al Baghli, Chairman of KGL, delivered the keynote sponsor remarks stating that the values of Thanksgiving resonate deeply within their community. It’s a time to come together, reflect on blessings, and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Recognition awards were then presented to the event sponsors, acknowledging their significant contributions.
The exclusive airline partner, Jazeera Airways, was represented by Mrs. Gonca Akca. Gold Sponsors recognized included Gulf Insurance Group, represented by Mr. Mubarak Al Ayyar; Saudi Arabian Chevron, represented by Mr. James Golden; and MSD Merck. The Platinum Sponsors—Kuwait Resources House, represented by Mr. Issa Al Masri, and KGL, represented by Mr. Fadhel Al Baghli—were also honored during the event.
Continuing the cherished tradition, Chairman, Pete Swift and Deputy Chief of Mission, Steven Butler performed the ceremonial cutting of the Thanksgiving turkey, symbolizing unity and celebration. Guests then enjoyed a delightful dinner accompanied by live entertainment, culminating in an exciting raffle draw.
The raffle featured a variety of generous prizes, including two vouchers from Best Al Yousifi; a one-night stay with breakfast for two and a lunch voucher for two at Stambul Weekend Buffet from Grand Hyatt; a weekend night stay with breakfast for two and a Seafood Night voucher for two from Holiday Inn Hotel; a diffuser from Muji; four chocolate hampers from Nagwa; a women’s purse and a men’s wallet from Next; two vouchers from Sultan Center; a chocolate hamper from Towell Holding; appliances such as a hand blender, hand mixer, two kettles, a rice cooker, and a washer-dryer from UTC; a perfume gift set from Victoria’s Secret; and ten boxes of chips from Al Wazzan Holding Group. The grand prize was two return tickets to leisure destinations courtesy of Al Jazeera Airways.
Furthermore, Mr. Swift said that AmCham Kuwait is dedicated to fostering connections between American and Kuwaiti businesses, and events like the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner are a testament to the strong relationships and shared values within the community.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kuwait, AmCham Kuwait continues to serve as a crucial platform for networking, collaboration, and advocacy for American business interests in the State of Kuwait.
