KUWAIT, Jan 7 (KUNA) — Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Sabah on Monday opened the 19th session of Al-Qurain Cultural Festival. The annual event is organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) under auspices of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Addressing the opening ceremony, Sheikh Salman said the event aimed to provide a platform for creative artists, men of letters and cultural celebrities to enrich the diversified cultural activities.

“The State of Kuwait works hard to promote enlightened thought, open-up to the outside world, and the friendly exchanges with nations with different cultures, notably the Arab and Muslim nations,” the minister pointed out. “Our approach to cultural openness is inspired by the instructions of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and translates his call for strengthening the true role of culture in the dialogue among civilizations,” he affirmed. The values of the dialogue among civilizations have become a strategic option that could open new horizons for building a new world featured by progress, nobleness, tolerance, justice, peace and coexistence, he noted. The State of Kuwait hosted a range of regional and international cultural events including the international book fair, the theatre festival, and Al-Qurain festival which sheds light on the interrelation between man and society, Sheikh Salman went on. Over the last half a century Kuwait has been publishing a range of cultural publications which turned to be references for Arab readers, he said, noting that the Arab nation is at a crucial cross roads brought about by the cultural globalization. Meanwhile, he called on the intelligentsia to pay attention to the issues of the youth, foster the skills of the talented youth and double efforts to ward off the dangers of alien cultural trends.

The minister congratulated the winners of the state awards for cultural and artistic creativity wishing them more successes in the future. On his part, Abdulaziz Al-Saraye’, laureate of the state order for 2012 who spoke on behalf of all winners, expressed joy for “being honored by the homeland.” The other winners include Mohammad Al-Munayye’ – an actor, Laila Al-Othman – a literary woman, Ghannam Al-Daikan – a musician, Ahlam Hassan and Faisal Al-Ameeri – artists, Ali Al-Husseini – a film director, Ibrahim Al-Khaldi – a poet, Saud Al-Sanousi – a novelist, Dr. Mersel Al-Ajmi – a critic, Dr. Hussein Bu Abbas – a sociologist, Basem Ibrahim – a historian, Dr. Zainab Al-Jaber – education expert, Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi – an archeologist, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Kandari – a geographer.

*We will keep you posted on the full schedule of events/activities soon!