Kuwait city: 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 the 31st edition of the Qurain Cultural Festival. According to Kuwait News Agency, Minister Al-Mutairi, speaking at the opening ceremony at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, stated that the festival symbolizes Kuwait's role in embracing creativity and preserving cultural identity. The festival has become an annual platform for art and knowledge, merging thought with creativity. Minister Al-Mutairi highlighted that the event reinforces Kuwait's belief in culture as a key element of human development. This edition aligns with the Kuwait's Appreciation Award and Creativity Award, under the patronage of His Highness Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The festival concludes on 11 February, coinciding with Kuwait's selection as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025. The minister emphasized Kuwait's rich history in cultural contributions and its commitment to culture as a foundation for development and future-building. He expressed pride in honoring Kuwaiti writer and thinker Professor Dr. Sulaiman Al-Askari for his significant contributions to the cultural landscape. Minister Al-Mutairi, along with National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) officials, honored Dr. Sulaiman Al-Askari for his career. He also congratulated the winners of the Kuwait Appreciation Award and the Creativity Award, recognizing their creative contributions. He extended appreciation to those who organized the festival and worked to ensure its success, affirming Kuwait's position as a cultural beacon. This year's festival, organized by NCCAL, is themed "A Renewed Legacy and Everlasting Creativity". The festival featured an artistic performance "Saffar", depicting the story of the Kuwaiti dhow (boom) and its voyages. The performance, combining authenticity with a contemporary artistic langu age, was conceived by artist Bader Nouri, conducted by Maestro Dr. Khaled Nouri, featuring actor Abdullah Al-Turkmani, and directed by Bader Al-Baloushi.
