KUWAIT: The Maritime Heritage Revival Committee at the Kuwait Marine Sports Club is intensively preparing for the 33rd diving commemoration trip, to be held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from August 10 to 15. Chairman of the Committee Ali Al-Qabandi highlighted that all participating youths have joined the camp at the club’s headquarters in Salmiya.

They are undergoing practical and theoretical training in traditional diving practices, including enduring hardships, hot weather, preparing diving ships and learning marine arts. Qabandi praised the strong turnout of Kuwaiti youth, noting that the number of participants meets the permitted quota for each of the four ships involved in the trip. These ships, gifts from the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, were launched on Saturday morning.

He detailed the trip’s activities, starting with the completion of the training camp on Thursday. The Dasha (embarkation) ceremony will take place at 8:30 am on Saturday at the club’s coast. The young divers will depart from the club’s coast aboard Al-Nawakhada, Al-Majdamiya and Al-Ghasa ships, heading to a diving area in Khairan to practice traditional diving. Reporters and media photographers will have the chance to follow the trip closely by visiting the Khairan area on the morning of Tuesday, August 13. The trip will conclude with the Gafal Day (closing) ceremony at 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 15, when the ships return to the club’s coast.

A large popular celebration will be held, featuring marine arts presentations, and parents will participate in welcoming their children on the beach, reminiscent of past traditions. Al-Qabandi emphasized that the diving trip holds significant national and cultural importance. It garners high parental support, widespread popular attention and follow-up from GCC countries, international media and heritage enthusiasts, particularly those interested in Kuwaiti heritage.