Kuwait aims to attract investment as Arab Capital of Culture

KUWAIT: Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, hailed Kuwait’s selection as the “Arab Capital of Culture and Media 2025” as both a significant honor and a profound responsibility. Speaking during a presentation on Kuwait’s preparations for this milestone on Sunday, he said: “Hosting the Arab Capital of Culture and Media reflects international recognition of Kuwait’s cultural contributions and its role as a beacon for Arab identity.”

Al-Mutairi outlined that this recognition requires meticulous planning and collaboration. The year-long celebration will feature 98 activities spanning 235 days, including 37 events to elevate Kuwait’s cultural and media profile and 20 initiatives aimed at fostering investment in these sectors. Other activities will promote sustainable development and celebrate Arab cultural identity.

“This strategic integration reflects our vision to showcase Kuwaiti and Arab identity through a legacy of success and accomplishments,” he stated, emphasizing the need for high-quality, year-round events to drive cultural exchange and international cooperation.

Dr Nasser Muhaisen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, noted that Kuwait is the first city to simultaneously hold the titles of Arab Capital of Culture and Media. This dual recognition highlights Kuwait’s prominent role in both fields. He encouraged media professionals and intellectuals to actively participate in flagship events, such as the Sea Day Festival and World Music Festival.

The private sector will also be a key partner in implementing and supporting events, leveraging modern technology and aligning with sustainability goals. Al-Mutairi underscored the role of young professionals in both private and government sectors. “It is our responsibility to provide a safe and enabling environment for our youth, empowering them to participate, innovate, and take responsibility,” he said.

Several technology-focused initiatives, such as events on artificial intelligence are planned. Al-Mutairi also highlighted the importance of documenting Kuwait’s achievements to guide future initiatives. On May 12, a stage production titled Here Kuwait will mark the 74th anniversary of the first time Kuwait Radio went live on air. A dedicated platform will collect public ideas and proposals, encouraging broad participation in shaping the year’s activities.

“We are building an institutional memory that interacts with international institutions, allowing us to gain insights and further develop our cultural and media landscape,” he explained.

The minister credited collaborative strategies between the Ministry of Information and the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) as the foundation of this effort.

“These strategies are being implemented through actionable plans with procedural guides and specialized committees,” Al-Mutairi said. These committees, comprising government entities, the private sector, and civil society, aim to create a “collaborative environment that drives creativity and innovation.”

Partnerships with organizations such as the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Arab Ministers of Information Council will also play a pivotal role. “Without proper media coverage, we risk losing the opportunity to fully showcase our achievements,” Al-Mutairi stressed.

Dr Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, detailed plans for cultural weeks within Kuwait and abroad to strengthen ties with Arab and friendly nations. International initiatives, such as book fairs, will showcase Kuwait’s cultural and media dimensions on a global scale. Children’s activities will also feature prominently, including the revival of the Children’s Theater Festival and the Cultural Summer festival, which proved successful last year. These programs aim to nurture the next generation amid globalization challenges.

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