KUWAIT: Celebrations marking Al-Qurain Cultural Festival and Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016 kicked off on Monday, sponsored by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Addressing inaugural ceremony of the celebrations, held late Monday at Abdulhussein Abdulredha Theater, Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said the two celebrations genuinely underline the State of Kuwait status in the Muslim world.
Sheikh Salman, also the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said while speaking on behalf of His Highness the Premier that organizing the festival is intended to affirm Kuwait's keenness on maintaining its cultural role; a role that has been characterized with moderation, openness, advocacy of peace, noble humanitarian values-adoption of such values has earned the country the UN designation, the "Global Humanitarian Hub."
The Minister, also Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, expressed gratitude to His Highness the Prime Minister, the chairman of the festivals' steering committee, for his generous patronization of the event and unlimited support for the major activity. Minister Sheikh Salman noted in his address participation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb-in his capacity as "the Personality of Kuwait as the Capital of Islamic Culture"-in the ceremony marking Kuwait as the capital of Islamic culture, lauding the veteran religious foundation that has enriched the Islamic civilization and culture.
He praised Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr Abdulaziz bin Othman Al-Tuwaijri for his efforts within the organization as well as for sake of cementing solidarity and cooperation among the member states for serving joint Islamic action.
Heritage
He stressed Kuwait "will remain faithful to its heritage, approach and role for sake of emitting the best image possible of Islam at times where some .. are seeking to tarnish this image, on purpose or unintentionally, thus it is our duty to face challenges of the modern age, distinguished with technological development, speedy communications and interaction making the world a small village."
Sheikh Salman pledged to continue to back up the cultural sector for boosting values of tolerance, affection and peace, as well as for affirming moderation as an approach, also vowing to adhere to "our Islamic traditions and genuine customs so that we may chart a future of peace .."
The steering committee has planned such activities, throughout the year, on basis of such values, as well as in line with guidelines set by the supreme political leadership namely His Highness the Amir, "the Leader of Humanitarian Action," His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prime Minister, who are concerned for the Muslims' unity, peace and prosperity of the nation, the Minister of Information said.
Noting that distinguished artists will be honored during the festival, Sheikh Salman re-affirmed Kuwait will remain advocate of openness and innovation. He reiterated the approach for maintaining the youth role in the sectors of culture, arts and literature.
Support
Meanwhile, Tuwaijri expressed deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for his continuing support for ISESCO and efforts for safeguarding higher interests of the Muslim nation.
Islamic capitals are chosen with consideration to their rich histories and contributions to boosting cultural action, he said, noting that the Islamic organization's programs in this respect aim at bolstering cultural unity of the nations and deepening the concept, Islamic solidarity.
Dr Abdullah Al-Ghnaim. in a statement on behalf of winners of the State encouraging awards, said such awards depict the State sponsorship of the citizens and guidelines for the individuals toward realizing development objectives. During the ceremony, Al-Azhar Grand Imam was honored in his capacity "the Personality of Kuwait as the Capital of Islamic Culture."
Among the honorees was the veteran actor, Abdulhussein Abdulredha, Dr Abdullah Yousef Al-Ghnaim, the poet Yaqoub Yousef Al-Sbayee, Sami Mohammad, the director Ahmad Abdulrahman Al-Khalaf, Dr Abdullah Mohammad Al-Hajri, Dr Maha Naji Ghannam, Dr Ahmad Sayyed Yaqoub Al-Refaee, Amal Al-Randi, Dr Ouayed Al-Meshaan, Fadhel Al-Abbar, Faisal Abu Slaib, Abdullah Al-Saleh, Abdulaziz Al-Mtairi, Sami Saad, Mshari Al-Obaid and the director Kamel Alabduljelil.
National celebrations
His Highness the Prime Minister meanwhile expressed his great joy in Kuwait's cultural celebrations, saying that these festivals coincide with Kuwait's national day celebrations, including the 55th National Day, the 25th Liberation Day, and the 10th anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's assumption of power. He wished long lasting grace and wellbeing for the country, as well as further development and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people.
Selecting Kuwait as the capital of Islamic culture this year is a crowning moment for all its efforts throughout the past years in spreading culture, awareness and enlightened intellection, in addition to its keenness on presenting the true image of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance, he said, pointing out Kuwait's pioneering role, which dates back to the 1950s, and strive in spreading the moderation principle, one of Islam's main characteristics.
In all its forms, culture is an important element in society life, basic source for overall development, and strong motivation to activate fruitful initiatives, His Highness the Prime Minister noted, praising all the efforts exerted by Kuwaitis, including intellectuals, thinkers, and artists who carried their humanitarian message to boost Kuwait's place in the world.
He also stressed the importance to invest such important events in presenting the civilized side of the State of Kuwait, and launch serious steps towards supporting intellectual and cultural creativities, accepting other cultures, and boosting tolerance and brotherhood values in the world.
His Highness the Premier also confirmed the government's keenness on providing the appropriate atmosphere for creating and innovating, and encouraging creative Kuwaitis in various cultural and artistic fields, noting that inaugurating Abdulhussein Abdulredha Theater reflects Kuwait's great appreciation of its artists and pride of their role in enriching the artistic and cultural life in Kuwait and the region. The celebration of Kuwait as the Islamic capital will proceed till the year-end. Al-Gurain festival will end on February 6th. - KUNA