Kuwait Premier Rep. inaugurates 31st Qurain cultural festival

KUWAIT, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- Representative of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Information, Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi inaugurated on Monday the 31st edition of the Qurain Cultural Festival.
In his address at the opening ceremony, held at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, Minister Al-Mutairi said this annual cultural festival embodies Kuwait's pioneering role in embracing creativity and preserving cultural identity.
With decades of success, the Qurain Cultural Festival has served as a broad space for art and knowledge-an annual meeting point where thought converges with creativity.
Minister Al-Mutairi noted that the event reaffirms Kuwait's belief that culture is a fundamental pillar in human development." He noted that this edition coincides with the celebration of the Kuwait's Appreciation Award and Creativity Award, both of which enjoy the gracious patronage of His Highness Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He added that the significance of the festival, which concludes on 11 February, is particularly pronounced this year as Kuwait celebrates its selection as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025.
This reflects a long history of cultural contributions and affirms Kuwait's commitment to its enlightening role and its belief that culture constitutes a cornerstone of human development and future-building, the minister clarified.
He expressed his honor that the personality of the festival is embodied in the Kuwaiti writer and thinker Professor Dr. Sulaiman Al-Askari, in appreciation of his rich intellectual and literary career and his distinguished contributions that have enriched the Kuwaiti and Arab cultural landscape.
Minister Al-Mutairi, along with the Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, and the Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector at the Council Aisha Al-Mahmoud, honored the Kuwaiti writer and thinker Professor Dr. Sulaiman Al-Askari in recognition of his career.
Furthermore, he congratulated the winners of Kuwait Appreciation Award and the Creativity Award this year, commending the creative contributions they have presented.
He also extended his sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to organizing the festival and to everyone who worked with dedication to ensure the success of this cultural event, wishing it continued success and excellence. He emphasized the Kuwait would remain a beacon of culture, thought, and creativity.
This year's edition of the festival, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), is held under the theme "A Renewed Legacy and Everlasting Creativity".
After the honoring ceremony, an artistic musical performance "Saffar" was introduced, narrating the story of the Kuwaiti dhow (boom), which sailed in search of livelihood and adventure and returned with stories and melodies. The performance was presented through a renewed vision that preserves authenticity while employing a contemporary artistic language.
The production was based on an idea and screenplay by artist Bader Nouri, conducted by Maestro Dr. Khaled Nouri, featuring actor Abdullah Al-Turkmani, and directed by Bader Al-Baloushi. (end) shhd.ahs