Deputy Head of Competitions Committee Sheikh Sabah Fahad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah with some of the participants.

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 19, (KUNA): His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has expressed his great joy in Kuwait’s cultural celebrations that kicked off earlier Monday to mark Al-Qurain 22nd Cultural Festival and Kuwait Capital of Islamic Culture 2016.

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, His Highness the Premier said in a statement Monday, wishing 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.

ConfirmedHis 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. Meanwhile, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village, where the Gulf Popular Heritage Festival is proceeding, witnessed 1,500 meters Falcons’ race which grouped a number of senior Kuwaiti falconers. The race is an appreciation to falconers who started this authentic hobby years ago, Deputy Head of the Competitions Committee Sheikh Sabah Fahad Al-Nasser Al-Sabah said to KUNA Tuesday. More than 70 amateur Falcon caregivers joined participated in the event. Falconers expressed their appreciation to providing this opportunity, which is backed by the country’s leadership. 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. The Minister of Information, addressing inaugural ceremony of the celebrations, held late on Monday at Abdulhussein Abdulredha Theater, said the two celebrations genuinely underline the State of Kuwait status in the Muslim world.

IntendedSheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, also the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who was speaking on behalf of His Highness the Premier, said organization of 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. 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. 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.”