Kuwait city: The State of Kuwait has submitted the "Diwaniya" file as an individual nomination for inclusion on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The submission took place during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi from December 8 to 13.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait's delegation was led by Mohammad bin Reda, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). He participated in the committee sessions and meetings, describing the event as an important milestone in Kuwait's cultural journey. This marks Kuwait's first individual nomination to the international committee. Bin Reda emphasized that the Diwaniya, a significant social institution in Kuwaiti society, represents a cultural space for hospitality and serves as a platform for dialogue among community members.
He highlighted that the nomination demonstrates Kuwait's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and safeguarding its national identity for future generations. He also expressed pride in Kuwait City being chosen as the capital of Arab culture and media for the year 2025, underscoring the country's cultural heritage and identity.
Former head of the intangible heritage files team at NCCAL, Sheikha Farah Ali Al Sabah, extended her congratulations and noted that work on the Diwaniya file began soon after Kuwait joined the 2003 UNESCO Convention. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts continued to ensure the submission of the file.
The Kuwaiti delegation also included Al-Anoud Al-Khamis and Fajr Al-Haddad from NCCAL's Antiquities and Museums Department, as well as Maseera Al-Enzi from the Sadu House, all of whom participated in committee discussions and activities.