ShareKUWAIT: The Standing Committee for the Celebration of National Holidays and Occasions announced on Monday the organization of the Ya Hala Shopping Festival from January 21 to March 31, as part of the celebration of national holidays and events in the country.
This announcement was made during a ceremony held by the committee at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center. The event was attended by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who is also the Chairman of the Permanent Committee for the Celebration of National Holidays and Events, along with Deputy Minister of Information Dr Nasser Muhaisen, Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry Ziad Al-Najim, Chairman of the Kuwait Shopping Festival Faisal Al-Shayji, representatives from participating companies and festival sponsors, and a number of interested and influential individuals.
70 days of festivities
The “Ya Hala” festival will feature 70 days of promotions, discounts, and giveaways from participating businesses, including malls, retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and more. Shoppers will receive one coupon for every KD 10 spent, giving them a chance to win from a total prize pool of over $8 million, including 120 luxury cars.
The festival will also include various events such as drone shows, fireworks, and special hospitality for Gulf visitors, according to a KUNA report. In addition, it aims to showcase Kuwait’s cultural heritage and highlight key landmarks.
In his speech during the ceremony, Dr Nasser Muhaisen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee, emphasized that the committee works diligently to provide comprehensive events, guided by expert teams, government bodies, and distinguished national talent. He highlighted the main objectives of the committee: promoting domestic tourism, supporting small businesses, creating new economic opportunities, and enhancing public-private collaboration.
Public-private partnership
Dr Muhaisen noted that, thanks to the support of Kuwait’s leadership, the committee continues to work towards enhancing Kuwait’s position as a leading commercial and cultural center in the region. Dr Muhaisen referenced the successful organization of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) as an example of the positive outcomes from public and private sector collaboration.
Dr Muhaisen pointed out that the Standing Committee had received many outstanding initiatives and was carefully reviewing them to select the most suitable ones. These initiatives are being referred to the relevant authorities for further action in line with the applicable regulations. He also mentioned several initiatives that had already been selected for implementation, including the Ya Hala Shopping Festival, the Al-Mutlaa Views Festival, the Sports Competition in Bnaider, and the Light City in Subiya, in addition to various activities organized by tourism projects and other state entities during this period.
Dr Muhaisen called on all parties—both public and private sector entities, civil society organizations, and individuals—to submit their ideas and initiatives to celebrate the national holidays via the Ministry of Information’s website. He praised the efforts of everyone involved in organizing these initiatives.
Ziad Al-Najim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, echoed support for national festivals, emphasizing their role in revitalizing the economy and attracting tourism. He praised the collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving successful initiatives.
Building on Gulf Cup success
In his speech, Fadel Al-Dosari, CEO of the Ya Hala Festival, reflected on the successful organization of the Gulf Cup, stating that it once again demonstrated Kuwait’s immense human potential and national capabilities. He also attributed this success to the wise guidance and leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Al-Dosari explained that the new national initiative, Ya Hala, aims to maintain the festive atmosphere in Kuwait and promote the country as a tourist, entertainment, cultural, and commercial destination. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, underscoring that such partnerships are key to successfully marketing Kuwait as a distinguished economic and tourism hub. Al-Dosari highlighted the significant positive impact the Kuwait Shopping Festival has had on various market sectors, noting that it serves as a strong motivator for continued success in future initiatives. — KUNA
