Kuwait City: The Kuwait Writers Association on Wednesday launched its contest in the fields of poetry, novels, and short stories in order to raise the levels of literary works to an international scale. The contest sponsor Sheikha Afrah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah stated during a press briefing that the contest is distinctive as it coincides with the national days and Kuwait's celebration of the "Kuwait Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025".
According to Kuwait News Agency, these awards are meant to encourage advancements in the quality and value of Kuwaiti literary works and aim to strengthen the Kuwait Writers Association's presence on the Arab and international cultural scene. Secretary-General of the Kuwaiti Writers Association, Hmaidi Al-Mutairi, emphasized that the ceremony aims to elevate the literary and artistic standards of Kuwaiti works to world-class levels.
To apply for the contest, participants must have a valid membership at the Kuwait Writers Association, and it should not have been more than three years since the publication of their works, which must be written in classical Arabic. The contest categories include Best Kuwaiti Novel, Best Kuwaiti Collection of Poetry, Best Theatrical Text, Best Children's Story, Best Short Story, and Best Critical Article dealing with a Kuwaiti literary work.
Established in 1964, the Kuwait Writers Association comprises poets, story writers, and novelists, with the aim of fostering the intellectual movement and literary renaissance in Kuwait, serving the Arab community, and developing national and patriotic awareness.