Latest news with #CapitalofArabCultureandMedia
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Arab Times
‘China, Kuwait cultural ties have seen major progress'
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei has affirmed that culture opens doors between peoples, and that humanitarian exchange between China and Kuwait has witnessed remarkable development in recent years. Jianwei made the statement during the opening of the 'Experience Chinese Intangible Heritage' event titled, 'Tea: A Cause of Harmony - Indigo Dyeing and the Art of Tea Preparation,' at the Chinese Cultural Center which, he stressed, plays a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Present at the event were Sheikha Al-Anoud Ibrahim Al-Sabah, who represented the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), along with numerous Chinese culture enthusiasts and Chinese community members. The Ambassador expressed gratitude to NCCAL and praised Sheikha Al-Anoud for supporting Chinese culture and strengthening ties between the two nations. He stated that cultural exchanges enrich civilizations and mutual learning leads to prosperity, while confirming the shared appreciation for traditions and the pursuit of a good life in both Chinese and Kuwaiti cultures. He said indigo dyeing is an ancient art reflecting the Chinese pursuit of beauty, and described Chinese tea as a cultural symbol embodying peace, tolerance, and intercultural coexistence. He also pointed out the strengthened cultural cooperation between China and Kuwait within the framework of President Xi Jinping's Global Civilization Initiative, affirming the role of the Chinese Embassy in organizing activities to deepen mutual understanding. He stated that the center, the first in the Gulf region, is a vital resource for learning the Chinese language, as well as traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. He highlighted the successful series of courses and events organized by the center, reflecting the growing Kuwaiti interest in Chinese culture. On a personal note, he announced his imminent departure from Kuwait; indicating it is an honor to oversee the establishment of the center and participate in its activities. He shared his fond memories of Kuwait and his wish for the center's continued progress, along with his anticipation of the unwavering support of NCCAL. Meanwhile, acting Assistant Secretary General for the Islamic Antiquities Sector Dr. Sheikha Al-Anoud Al-Sabah said NCCAL is keen on building cultural bridges, especially during Kuwait's year as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media. In a bilingual speech, she highlighted the strong cultural, media and educational cooperation between Kuwait and China since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971. She stated that several agreements and memoranda of understanding led to constructive communication and a roadmap for collaboration. She cited the first cultural agreement in 1982, which laid the groundwork for 43 years of exchanges and activities. Director of the center Liu Jinhong explained that the event aimed to introduce Chinese heritage through live demonstrations of traditional indigo dyeing and Chinese tea making by renowned artists. He confirmed that the center is witnessing the growing interest among the Kuwaiti public, as many have been inquiring about Chinese language courses and cultural activities. He pointed out that the friendly relations between China and Kuwait have been going on for more than 60 years, hoping for more Kuwaiti visits to China and the continued flourishing of their friendship.
Arab Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti Writers Association keen on showcasing literary works: official
MUSCAT, April 27: The Secretary General of the Kuwaiti Writers Association (KWA), Humaidi Al-Mutairi, expressed the association's enthusiasm for participating in regional and international cultural events and forums to promote Kuwaiti literary works and creativity. Speaking to KUNA at the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, Al-Mutairi noted that this marks the first time the KWA has participated in a book fair outside Kuwait since its founding in 1964. He described the participation as a significant shift in the association's approach and activities. Al-Mutairi explained that the KWA's new strategy of engaging in international exhibitions is driven by a commitment to supporting its members and promoting their literary and cultural works on a broader scale. He expressed pride in the association's involvement in the fair, which coincides with Kuwait being selected as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, a recognition that highlights Kuwait's ongoing contributions to the cultural and literary fields. At the fair, the KWA is showcasing the literary and cultural works of its members through a designated booth. These include a variety of publications such as literary, cultural, and critical books, research studies, scientific works, and other notable writings. Al-Mutairi also praised the organizers of the exhibition for their cooperation, which facilitated the association's participation. He noted that this collaboration reflects the strong fraternal ties between Kuwait and the Sultanate of Oman, particularly in the cultural and literary sectors. Additionally, Al-Mutairi commended Oman's vibrant cultural and intellectual movement, which he said underscores the country's rich civilizational heritage. Looking forward, Al-Mutairi expressed hope that this participation would expand the reach of Kuwaiti books and make them more accessible to readers in Oman. He added that the KWA intends to repeat this experience at future Arab book fairs, aiming to further serve Kuwaiti writers and authors. The 29th Muscat International Book Fair, which began last Thursday, features 674 publishing houses from 35 countries, including Kuwait. The fair, which runs until May 3, includes a variety of cultural and literary activities.
Al Bawaba
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Ooredoo Kuwait Leads the Revival of Family Theater Glamour with "Zargoon and the Magic Lamp"
Ooredoo Kuwait, reflecting the nation's rich cultural heritage—recently recognized as the Capital of Arab Culture, Arts, and Media—is setting the stage for an extraordinary artistic resurgence. In celebration of this esteemed designation, Ooredoo Kuwait presented the theatrical production 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' during Eid Al-Fitr on the stage of the Joint Programming Production Foundation of the GCC. This performance underscores the company's unwavering commitment to nurturing the media landscape and revitalizing children's theater with a modern, forward-thinking line with its corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy — and coinciding with Kuwait's selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025 — Ooredoo Kuwait premiered 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp.' The production, presented on a grand stage, underscores the company's vision to rejuvenate family theater as a platform that bridges generations, transmits national values, and preserves the country's artistic heritage by offering unique, purpose-driven content that celebrates Kuwaiti Kuwait's initiative aims to empower local production and spotlight national talent in line with its vision of supporting meaningful cultural and artistic endeavors. The company is convinced that fostering artistic engagement enriches the local cultural scene, strengthens national identity, and creates platforms for the expression of youthful energy — all of which underpin the foundations of a cohesive and sustainable this context, Nouf Al-Mashaan, Senior Director External Affairs and Head of Strategic and Innovative Business Projects at Ooredoo Kuwait, explained: 'In an ongoing effort to support Kuwait's vibrant media landscape and through our innovative projects, we have presented a theatrical work that reflects our vision of integrating cultural content with modern media tools. This initiative aims to revive children's theater in a contemporary spirit, as part of a broader strategy to enable local production, highlight national talent, and deliver creative content that is in line with the digital transformation, embodying the values and identity of our society.'Al-Mashaan further added:'This strategic partnership stems from our belief that telecommunications today are not just a technical utility but an integral part of everyday life, empowering individuals and enhancing their connection with the world. With this initiative, we emphasize the importance of leveraging technology and digital media to create local content that reflects our culture, meets the expectations of the digital generation, and seamlessly blends creativity with technology for an inspiring, holistic experience.'Zainab Al-Shammari, Director, PR & Strategic and Innovative Marketing - Strategic and Innovative Business Projects at Ooredoo Kuwait, also remarked:'At Ooredoo, we believe that arts and culture are fundamental pillars in building a dynamic society. In our telecommunications sector, we strive to convey a purposeful message to everyone. Presenting this work was a wonderful opportunity to revive children's theater in a modern style that inspires both children and adults alike. We are proud to be part of this distinguished cultural event that reflects our commitment to delivering impactful content, reinforcing national values, and encouraging creativity and innovation among future generations.'Al-Shammari explained that Ooredoo's presentation of this production is aligned with the company's goal of empowering individuals and communities through unique, inspiring experiences. It underscores the company's dedication to preserving and advancing Kuwait's artistic legacy in a way that resonates with contemporary trends. The initiative reaffirms Ooredoo's belief in the power of the arts as a means of expression, a driver of positive change in society, and a catalyst for nurturing the creative potential of the next Audience Response Reflects the Community's Passion for Family ArtsCoinciding with the festive atmosphere of Eid Al-Fitr — an occasion that unites families and promotes cultural activities — 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' marked a significant milestone in Kuwait's cultural scene. The performance drew large, diverse audiences from all age groups, reflecting the Kuwaiti public's deep longing for the revival of family theater, especially when presented through a fresh and innovative enthusiastic response comes at a time when Kuwait celebrates its designation as the Capital of Culture and Media for 2025, further underlining the production's importance as a positive indicator of the vibrancy of the local cultural movement. It also reinforces Ooredoo's role as a key driver in supporting arts and national initiatives with profound community impact.A Triumphant Artistic Return by Kuwait's Theater LegendsWhat set this production apart was the reunion of a distinguished group of Kuwaiti theater veterans who have left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. The production was helmed by the celebrated director Najaf Jamal, a luminary in the history of theatrical production, while renowned actress Haifa Adel delivered a performance that evoked both nostalgia and the cherished, timeless roles that the audience grew up the return of actor Mohammed Al-Rashid to the role of "Zargoon" after more than three decades was a poignant moment, warmly embraced by the audience, for its deep symbolism and evocative connection to childhood memories. The performance also featured leading figures such as Abdullah Bahman, Lulwa Al-Mulla, Ahmed Al-Najjar, Mohammed Al-Kazemi, and emerging talent Maryam Shuaib, creating a comprehensive production that seamlessly blended the past with the present.A New Adventure with Enduring ValuesThe modern adaptation of 'Zargoon' was not merely a revival of a classic; it was a dramatic evolution that reflected the maturing of its characters and the passage of time. The story unfolds 30 years after the original adventure of Zargoon, where the protagonist embarks on a new quest to rescue his friend Ala'Din's son from the clutches of the Sea Queen. Using his final wish at a critical moment, he reshapes the fate of the the narrative possesses elements of fantasy, it is woven with heartfelt messages about sacrifice, the importance of decision-making in pivotal moments, friendship, and responsibility — timeless values that continue to resonate with audiences regardless of the Acclaim from Audiences and Critics AlikeThis artistic production has succeeded in captivating a diverse audience, from children to adults — an achievement rare in the realm of theater. Many attendees expressed their amazement at the high production values, family-friendly content, and nostalgic yet innovative musical scores that enhanced the overall experience. The new songs, characterized by vibrant tunes and meticulously crafted arrangements, resonated throughout the venue, serving as both a visual and auditory magnet for the have lauded the delicate balance achieved between classic theatrical spirit and modern visual innovation, praising the performers' synergy on stage. This collective energy has fostered instant interaction with the audience and strengthened the authentic Kuwaiti identity that the production proudly maintains, even amidst a renewed artistic Production Techniques on a Local StageOne of the standout features of 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' was the use of high-caliber production techniques that transformed the performance into a near-cinematic experience. Ooredoo collaborated with an internationally recognized technical team, whose portfolio includes work with industry giants like Marvel and Disney, thereby infusing the local theater production with a level of professionalism previously creative duo behind the visual and musical effects — Ahmed Jamal and Badr Al-Mawla, from the firm Invisible-In — seamlessly integrated digital and lighting effects with the actors' movements and the text, delivering an immersive, dream-like experience that underscored the evolution of theater in Producer Mohammed Jamal expressed his personal connection to the production, recalling the theater of his childhood. He emphasized that the attention to technical detail was not merely for spectacle but served to enhance the narrative, creating a fantastical yet believable world that resonates with today's audience without sacrificing the essence of traditional theater.A Cultural Commitment and Social MessageThis theatrical production is not merely an artistic celebration; it is a manifestation of Ooredoo's vision to support the arts as a cornerstone of societal identity. The initiative reflects the company's belief in the role of theater in instilling positive values and fostering national pride. 'Zargoon and the Magic Lamp' stands as a model for how entertainment and education can be harmoniously blended, merging heritage with innovation. Through this work, Ooredoo reaffirms its position as a strategic partner in cultural development, firmly believing that investment in the arts is an investment in human and societal consciousness — especially when it is geared toward family audiences and aims to build bridges between generations.
Arab Times
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Editor-in-Chief to appear in ‘Idah' program on Al-Akhbar channel
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: Editor-in-Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah will be a guest in 'Idah' program, which will be broadcasted on Kuwait's Al-Akhbar channel during the holy month of Ramadan. The program, which is hosted by Mansour Al-Ajmi, is in collaboration with Khamis Al-Ajmi under the direction of Maitham Fakhreddine. It will document the careers of influential figures in various fields in Kuwait, the Gulf and the Arab world. The program is a qualitative addition to the channel, which was launched by the State of Kuwait as an official platform that reflects the development of Kuwaiti media and sheds light on influential individuals who left an indelible mark in their fields of work. Media figure Mansour Al-Ajmi said 'hosting Al-Jarallah -- a great media figure -- is an important moment in the program's path. One episode is not enough to narrate the rich history of this unique media figure. He is a treasure trove of information and experience.' Al-Ajmi revealed that they talked about the career of Al-Jarallah -- from the beginning of his journalistic work until today, and his role in the Arab media scene; while highlighting the importance of Kuwaiti media and its position in the Arab arena. They also touched on the selection of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for the year 2025, and its importance in boosting Kuwait's cultural and media role at the regional and global levels. It is worth mentioning that the program continues to provide documentary and dialogue content, enriching viewers with valuable information about personalities that made a difference in their respective fields. It is presented within the framework of a new media vision reflecting the development of the media scene in Kuwait.
Arab Times
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches 'Sheraa' Media Award to honor creative professionals
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 29: Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, announced the launch of the annual Kuwait Media Award (Sheraa) on Tuesday. The award aims to honor creative individuals across various media fields and promote the production of meaningful and sustainable media content. In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Minister Al-Mutairi highlighted that the award is being launched in a festive atmosphere, as Kuwait approaches its national holidays and celebrates being named the Capital of Arab Culture and Media. This initiative reflects the ministry's vision of supporting media professionals and encouraging them to produce outstanding works that contribute to raising community awareness. He emphasized that the ministry is committed to achieving positive change with the continuous support of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who have consistently supported the media and media professionals. The Sheraa Award will include individual and group competitions across various media sectors, aiming to provide a platform that nurtures creativity and supports young media talents in Kuwait. Additionally, the award will have an Arab dimension, with members of arbitration committees from sister Arab countries involved to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and the advancement of media standards. Minister Al-Mutairi noted that full details of the award, including its categories and submission criteria, will be announced in the coming week. He expressed his gratitude to the higher committee overseeing the award and to everyone who contributed to organizing this event. He also encouraged media professionals and institutions in Kuwait to participate in this significant national event, which will enhance the national media landscape and reinforce Kuwait's position as the capital of media thought and creativity.
