‘Brothers Forever’ Week opens in Dubai with UAE–Kuwait Media Forum

The UAE–Kuwait Week, held under the theme “Brothers Forever,” launched its activities on Thursday with the UAE–Kuwait Media Forum at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, in a scene reflecting the depth of relations between the two brotherly nations.

The forum was attended by Kuwaiti Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with a distinguished gathering of media, diplomatic, cultural, military, sports, youth and artistic figures from both countries.

The forum featured seven specialized sessions exploring the trajectory of Emirati–Kuwaiti relations from political, cultural, educational, media, sports and artistic perspectives, while also highlighting the growing role of modern media and content creators in strengthening ties between the two peoples.

The opening session, “Bridge to the Future: Emiratis in Kuwait and the Experience of Academic Excellence,” brought together Dr. Habib Al-Attar, Secretary-General of the Theatrical Society and President of the Emirati Theatrical Society, and media personality, author and theatre director Jamal Matar.

Moderated by Kuwaiti media figure Hamad Al-Ali, the session discussed successful models of educational integration and the role of institutions in preparing national cadres capable of contributing to joint development. Speakers stressed that investment in people remains a cornerstone of future bilateral relations.

A second session, “Strategic Partnership: Brotherhood Forever,” focused on the political and diplomatic path of relations. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, reviewed key milestones of coordination on regional and international issues, emphasizing that ties are built on mutual trust, aligned visions and firm shared positions. The session was moderated by journalist Khalifa Al-Muzain.

In “The Historical Cultural Landscape of Kuwait in the Emirates: Roots and Epics,” Bilal Al-Badour, Chairman of the Cultural and Scientific Symposium in Dubai, highlighted the cultural depth of relations, tracing milestones of artistic and cultural convergence and the role of culture in strengthening popular ties. The session was moderated by broadcaster Hind Al-Naqbi.

The session “The Liberation War of Kuwait and Emirati–Kuwaiti Solidarity” revisited the pivotal period of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Rashad Al-Saadi and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Saber Al-Suwaidan discussing the UAE’s supportive stance during that time. Jamal Al-Mulla moderated the discussion.

Under the title “The Voice of Youth and Digital Media: Strengthening UAE–Kuwait Relations through Content,” media professionals Ali Najm, Mona Al Raisi and Hajar Al Khoury addressed the growing influence of digital platforms in building bridges among youth, stressing responsible and professional content creation.

Sports diplomacy was highlighted in “Sports in the UAE and Kuwait: One Spirit,” featuring Bashar Abdullah, Acting Director of the General Authority for Sports, and Muzaffar Al-Haj, former Cultural Attaché in Kuwait.

Moderated by researcher and sports historian Mohammed Al-Jawker, the session underscored sports as a soft-power tool that enhances communication between generations. Abdullah also spoke about his professional experience with Al Ain Club and the long-standing sporting ties between the two countries.

Artistic heritage took center stage in “Emirati–Kuwaiti Song,” which explored the shared musical legacy of the two nations. Participants included composer Anwar Abdullah, composer and musician Khaled Nasser, and composer Ibrahim Juma, arts advisor at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center.

Moderated by Asmahan Al Naqbi, the session emphasized song as a powerful bridge of cultural communication and shared Gulf identity.

The Kuwaiti delegation accompanying the Minister of Defense included Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the UAE Jamal Al-Ghunaim, Consul in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Khaled Al-Zaabi, and several senior officials.