KUWAIT: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held a prestigious awards ceremony for the years 2022 and 2023 at Bayan Palace theater on Wednesday. The 40-year-old tradition honors scientists and researchers from Kuwait and the Arab world who have excelled in their fields.

The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and was attended by key dignitaries, including His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and senior government officials. Upon arrival, His Highness the Amir was warmly welcomed by Dr Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Director General of KFAS, and members of the foundation’s board of directors. The event commenced with the Kuwaiti national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran.

In her speech, Dr Farhan highlighted the foundation’s longstanding commitment to honoring scientific excellence. She emphasized the pivotal role KFAS plays in advancing research, fostering innovation, and enhancing Kuwait’s global competitiveness. She likened the foundation’s mission to a thriving tree: its roots deep in knowledge, its branches expanding across borders, and its fruits benefiting society.

HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal (center) and Dr Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Director General of KFAS, pose for a photo with some of the winners during the KFAS award ceremony held at Bayan Palace Theater on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. — Photos by Amiri Diwan

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah are seen at the ceremony.

HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Dr Farhan present officials from African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) with the Al-Sumait Prize for African Development for 2022.

Senior government officials, including (from left) Cabinet Affairs Minister Shareeda Al-Mousherji, Information Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi, are seated next to KFAS Director Dr Ameenah Farhan.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives a commemorative gift at the awards ceremony.

(From left) Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Faiza al-Kharafi, Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah are seen at the award ceremony.

HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Dr Farhan present officials from Camfed (Campaign for Female Education) with the Al-Sumait Prize for African Development for 2023.

Dr Farhan said it was more important than ever to invest in Kuwait’s human capital and benefit from the minds and experiences of its people. The future demands a forward-thinking approach, she said, and KFAS is dedicated to developing knowledge, skills, and technologies that will shape a prosperous tomorrow, she said. The foundation works tirelessly to place Kuwait at the forefront of scientific advancement and ensuring that research directly contributes to societal progress, she added.

Dr Farhan also acknowledged the legacy of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, whose vision laid the groundwork for the foundation’s success. “It is his legacy that has shaped the path of KFAS, and today we continue to build on his wisdom and foresight,” she said.

Following the speech, His Highness the Amir personally presented the awards to the winners in various categories, including the Jaber Al-Ahmad Prize for Young Researchers, Kuwait Prize, and Al-Sumait Prize for African Development. The ceremony concluded with a presentation of a commemorative gift to His Highness the Amir, symbolizing gratitude for his continued support of science and research in Kuwait. His Highness’ personal involvement in the award distribution highlighted the importance of science in shaping a brighter future for the nation.