The International Women’s Group (IWG) celebrated the Kuwait National and Liberation Days on Monday, 13 February 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Farwaniya, in the presence of the guest of honor H.E Sheikha Intissar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah. The ambassador of Indonesia, H.E Lena Maryana and the Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, H.E Neera Dukhi, and other distinguished guests were also present.
The event commenced with the national anthem of Kuwait and other Kuwaiti national songs, played by the Kuwait Army’s Military music band.
In her opening speech, Mrs. Ghada Shawky, wife of the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt and President of IWG, asked for a minute of silence for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.
Mrs. Shawky then took the opportunity to extend the kind greetings of H.E Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al Muhamad Al Sabah, Honorary President of the group, on this special occasion, wishing the members a very pleasant stay in their second home Kuwait.
Mrs. Shawky congratulated HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and the people of Kuwait on the occasion of their National and Liberation Days. Highlighting the vision and wisdom of the Kuwaiti leadership that led Kuwait to great progress since its independence, where HH Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah had an outstanding role in building Kuwait as an independent, fully sovereign, democratic and modern country, Mrs. Shawky stressed the great continuing achievements of Kuwait on the regional and international level that continually leads to development, stability and security.
Mrs. Shawky was then delighted to introduce the guest of honor, H.E Sheikha Intissar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah, as one of the prominent distinguished figures of Kuwait, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, film producer and columnist.
After showing a short video clip of Sheikha Intisar Al-Sabah being awarded the Belgian Royal Crown Medal with the rank of Knight, in appreciation of her contribution to volunteer work and support for war victims, Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali began her speech by praising the work of the International Women’s Group in its efforts to spread cultural awareness among its members and the Kuwaiti society.
She said that Kuwait has established more than 60 years of diplomatic relations since its independence and enjoys very good relations with the countries of the world, and she recalled the history of Kuwaiti trade over the years, and talked about the great confidence that the world placed in Kuwait and its sailors and merchants, given their historically good reputation that continues to this day. While highlighting Kuwait’s natural beauty and reiterating her longstanding belief in positivity and commitment to overall happiness, well established in her non-profit initiative, Alnowair, Sheikha Intisar urged the attendees to enjoy and mark the seasonal beauty of the delicate nowair wildflowers that grow against all odds in the most unexpected places, a sign and symbol of resilience, beauty and positivity.
After cutting the cake depicting the National flag of Kuwait, a beautiful and informative video presentation on Kuwait was shown, that ended with a song “Yalla Kuwait “by the Kuwaiti musical band “Sons of Yusuf”. Members also enjoyed a beautiful performance by the traditional Al Wadi Kuwaiti band.
The celebration included a special welcome with the scent of bukhoor and the spray of rose water as a gesture of Kuwaiti hospitality.
Guests and members came dressed either in Kuwaiti attire or the colors of the Kuwaiti flag.
Members enjoyed a display of Kuwaiti handicrafts, presented by the Kuwaiti Traditional crafts, a quiz related to the areas of Kuwait, and took memorable pictures in a special traditional tent displayed with beautiful colorful fabric, items and dresses used during Kuwaiti weddings. Appreciating its importance as an emblem of Kuwait the attendees were also mesmerized by the beauty of a live falcon.
Prepared by Mrs. Hoda Ahmed Al-Kindi, a former presenter and specialized in preparing the Kuwaiti heritage corner, the celebration featured an important part of Kuwaiti heritage, representing the customs of marriage in Kuwait with its joyful and distinctive rituals, where a newlywed bride re-enacted the Kuwaiti ceremony (Jalwa).
The event ended with a generous raffle, where the prizes were kindly offered by Mrs. Suhad Al Qenaei perfumes, Abyatt, Best El Youssfy and Sheraton Hotel.
A delicious meal that included traditional Kuwaiti dishes perfectly prepared by the Crowne Plaza Chefs.