Kuwait’s biggest shopping festival “Ya Hala” to offer over $8 million in prizes
The Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions announced the “Ya Hala” shopping festival, which will be held from the 21st of January until the 31st of March 2025, as part of the country’s national holidays and occasions celebrations.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held by the committee to announce the details of the festival at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.
The event also saw the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Ziad Al-Najem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Shopping Festival Faisal Al-Shaiji, along with representatives of companies, festival sponsors, and several influential individuals.
Cooperation of Government Agencies
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, in his speech during the ceremony, stated that these efforts are in line with the directives of the political leadership, aiming to foster cooperation between government agencies and the private sector. He emphasized the goal of promoting the public interest and working towards restoring Kuwait as a leading tourist and entertainment destination in the region.
In response, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry acted on the request of the Supreme Committee for National Celebrations by issuing the necessary licenses for the festival and addressing any obstacles that could hinder its organization.
Al-Ajeel added, that the Ministry of Commerce, believes in the importance of such festivals to boost commercial activity in the country and support the local economy by activating multiple sectors, including: retail, shopping malls, hotels, hotel apartments, aviation, entertainment, transportation, banks, services, restaurants, tourist attractions, car rentals, and others.
Sincere Efforts
For his part, Dr. Nasser Muhaisen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information and Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions, stated in his speech that the committee is making sincere efforts to organize comprehensive events. This is being achieved through specialized work teams and detailed plans, all under the supervision of the country’s relevant authorities and with the participation of a distinguished group of national experts.
Muhaisen emphasized that the committee is working diligently to achieve its primary goals, including boosting domestic tourism, supporting small business owners, creating new economic opportunities, and enhancing cooperation between government, private agencies, and civil society.
Furthermore, Muhaisen stressed upon the importance of fostering a strong spirit of partnership among the public and private sectors, civil society organizations, and individuals. This collaborative approach is aimed at supporting joint efforts and attracting economic initiatives that can significantly contribute to boosting commercial and tourism activities in Kuwait.
Muhaisen expressed his gratitude for the support from Kuwait’s wise leadership, may God protect and preserve them, and strengthen Kuwait’s position as a leading commercial and cultural hub in the region.
Moreover, Muhaisen stated that Kuwait is committed in continuing with the distinguished successes achieved in organizing the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship. This highlights the State’s dedication to leveraging its leadership’s support to boost its status both economically and culturally, while building on the successes of major events.
Supporting National Festivals
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ziad Al-Najem, delivered a similar message, emphasizing the ministry’s strong support for national festivals.
Al-Najem highlighted the ministry’s efforts in facilitating the procedures for these festivals, which play a key role in revitalizing the labor market and various state sectors. He further noted that these events contribute significantly to boosting the local economy by enhancing economic activity and generating positive growth.
Importantly, Al-Najem referred to the “Gulf Zain 26” Championship as a highly successful experience, made possible by the combined efforts of the public and private sectors. He emphasized that this partnership exemplifies the crucial role of collaboration in the success of such initiatives.
Al-Najem further stressed that these collective efforts play a vital role in attracting tourism and enhancing the work environment in Kuwait. He also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of Minister Al-Mutairi, the Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions, and all those involved in driving these initiatives forward.
Continuing the Festive Atmosphere
The CEO of the “Ya Hala” Festival, Fadel Al-Dosari, in his speech, acknowledged the successful organization of the recent “Gulf Cup Championship” held in Kuwait. He pointed out that this achievement is a clear testament to the immense human potential within the State of Kuwait and the remarkable capabilities of its national workforce.
Al-Dosari attributed this success to the wise directives and leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad, may God protect and preserve him, emphasizing the vital role of the country’s leadership in driving such accomplishments.
Revealing further, Al-Dosari stated that over 2,000 companies and branches have already registered for the festival, highlighting the growing interest and participation. He emphasized that registration remains ongoing, with companies able to sign up daily either at the festival headquarters located at the exhibition grounds or through the festival’s official website.
Al-Dosari expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Council of Ministers, as well as to the Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Celebrating National Holidays and Occasions, Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. He commended their strong support and embrace of this national and economic initiative.
8 Million Dollars in Cash
Al-Dosari provided an overview of the components of the “Ya Hala” festival, emphasizing its diverse range of offerings. The festival features promotional offers, discounts, and gifts from a wide array of participants, including commercial complexes, retail stores, cooperative societies, central markets, major companies, e-commerce platforms, automotive dealers, construction businesses, furniture stores, health and beauty services, tourism and entertainment providers, restaurants, cafes, and various other commercial and service activities across Kuwait, spanning over 70 days.
During the festival, each shopper receives one coupon for every 10 dinars spent at participating companies. This coupon qualifies them to enter one of the festival’s ten weekly draws, offering them a chance to win exciting prizes.
120 Cars
The festival boasts an impressive prize pool totaling over 8 million dollars. This includes one million dollars in cash and 120 luxury cars, which will be distributed across ten weekly draws. Each draw will feature 12 luxury cars and 100,000 dollars in cash, with the prizes being shared among 100 lucky winners.
The “Ya Hala” festival also offers a variety of exciting events both inside and outside shopping malls. These include thrilling drone shows, spectacular fireworks displays, and the reception and hosting of Gulf visitors. Beyond its commercial aspects, the festival also serves to promote the State of Kuwait, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and highlighting its most important landmarks.
During the ceremony, which was hosted by Abdulrahman Al-Badah, the Head of the Public Relations and Media Department for the festival, the ministers, strategic partners, and sponsors of the “Ya Hala” Festival were honored. Faisal Al-Shaiji, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the festival, presented them with commemorative shields in recognition of their valuable contributions and support.
Source: Al Anba
