Report by Salem Al-Methen Abu Dhabi, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- "Brothers Forever" stands as the slogan of a historic celebration by the United Arab Emirates, marking decades of deep-rooted ties with Kuwait and reflecting the strength of relationships between both countries, their wise leaderships, and their peoples.
This major celebration, observed across the UAE through official and popular events for one week starting Thursday, crowns long decades of firmly established relations, proven by experience and strengthened by challenges and hardships.
The generous initiative was launched under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed on November 21, 2025, to celebrate Emirati-Kuwaiti ties nationwide for a full week.
At the time, he underscored the uniqueness of the relationship, stating "Our relations with Kuwait are based on brotherhood, affection, and kinship; they were a source of support before and after the union, a helping hand that gave and assisted, and their sincere stances continue to this day." The initiative was met with warm welcome and deep appreciation in Kuwait, as His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah praised it as a reflection of the cohesion of Gulf states.
On this occasion, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the UAE Jamal Al-Ghunaim told KUNA that the initiative represents sincere recognition by the UAE of a long journey of cooperation and solidarity.
He noted that Kuwaiti-Emirati relations have been founded since their early beginnings on firm principles of mutual respect and complementarity in positions and visions.
Al-Ghunaim added that what unites Kuwait and the UAE goes beyond diplomatic frameworks to a deeply rooted partnership embodied over decades across political, economic, and cultural fields.
For his part, Kuwaiti Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Khaled Al-Zaabi praised the UAEآ’s initiative, describing it as a sincere message of affection reflecting the authenticity of social and humanitarian ties between the two peoples.
He said the Consulate General highly values this step for what it demonstrates of appreciation for Kuwait and pride in the relationship binding the two countries at all levels.
Al-Zaabi affirmed that the occasion offers an opportunity to strengthen bridges of communication and entrench values of cooperation, wishing the UAE continued stability and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ain Emirati newspaper Ahmad Al-Alawi told KUNA that celebrating Emirati-Kuwaiti relations crowns a long path of joint action and political and humanitarian rapprochement.
He stressed that the relationship is not a product of transient circumstances, but is sustainable and renewed over time, and grounded in a history of trust and shared positions.
Al-Alawi said this experience represents an integrated Gulf model of enduring ties that has withstood regional transformations due to clarity of vision, mutual respect, and belief in Gulf cohesion.
He noted that pivotal moments, foremost the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, tested the strength of the relationship, highlighting the official and popular UAE support that elevated ties to a level of shared destiny.
He added that bilateral relations continued to mature institutionally with successive leaderships, reaching a renewed momentum under Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah within a shared Gulf vision.
UAE Journalists Association President Fadheela Al-Muaini told KUNA that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayedآ’s call to Emirati society to celebrate relations affirms the depth of historical and humanitarian bonds uniting the two countries.
She said these ties were never merely diplomatic relations, but a firmly rooted model of genuine fraternity and shared destiny.
Al-Muaini recalled that Emirati collective memory retains Kuwaitآ’s support during difficult times marked by limited resources and scarce education and healthcare opportunities across the region.
She noted that dedicating a period to this celebration offers a societal and cultural opportunity to introduce younger generations to the history of relations and shared values.
She stressed that the wise leaderships of both countries continue to reinforce this fraternal approach through initiatives affirming that Emirati-Kuwaiti relations will remain a model of loyalty and Gulf solidarity.
Kuwait and the UAE share close relations extending over more than six decades, supported by both leaderships toward deeper cooperation on economic, political, and social levels.
Kuwaitآ’s educational mission began operating in the UAE in 1955, establishing schools and providing books and supplies, while the Kuwaiti medical mission started in 1962, founding several centers and hospitals.
Kuwait also contributed financially and administratively, including establishing a television transmission station in Dubai in 1969 known as"Kuwait Television from Dubai." Kuwait was among the earliest supporters of the UAEآ’s Union in 1971 and among the first to establish diplomatic relations, with embassies opened in 1972 in both capitals.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan exemplified these ties during Iraqآ’s occupation of Kuwait by hosting tens of thousands of Kuwaiti families and participating in the liberation effort.
Economic and trade cooperation has further demonstrated the strength and complementarity of relations, with both countries emphasizing increased trade, investment, and private and public sector partnerships.
The "UAE and Kuwait .. Brothers Forever" week includes the Emirati-Kuwaiti Media Forum at the Museum of the Future and the Emirati-Kuwaiti Economic Forum at Burj Al-Arab, alongside official and popular celebrations. (end) skm.aai