KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23:  The 24th International Music Festival wrapped up its activities on Friday evening with a special concert titled 'Arabian Song' at the Jaber Al-Ali Theater in the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center (JACC), attended by a large audience and featuring performances by a select group of Arab artists.

The concert showcased a distinguished array of Arab musical works, with artists Bader Nouri, Musaed Al-Tattan, Mohammed Asadi, Ghanima Al-Enezi, Abdullah Al-Fadhli, and Saud Al-Fayez performing a variety of pieces from traditional Arabic music, conducted by Maestro Dr. Khaled Nouri, Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector at the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, and Chairman of the Festival.

In his speech during the closing ceremony, Musaed Al-Zamel, Chairman of the Festival's Supreme Committee, highlighted the festival’s success, citing its excellent blend of activities. He emphasized the significance of honoring artist Mohammed Al-Balushi, the festival’s personality of the year, and noted the thoughtful selection of events. Al-Zamel also mentioned several key moments from the festival, including the opening night honoring Al-Balushi, a dialogue session with the artist, an intellectual symposium, and a popular artistic night at the Fine Arts Society.

The festival's diverse schedule also included a concert by Omani cellist Maryam Al-Manjia, a Melody from Greece concert, a Najat and Warda night, and the concluding Arab Songs performance. Al-Zamel further revealed plans for next year, when multiple events will celebrate Kuwait, Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025, with the support of the Minister of Information and Culture, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and Dr. Muhammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters.

He reiterated that the Council is committed to preserving Kuwait's national identity and protecting its cultural heritage, including its arts and antiquities, while continuing to foster creativity and support cultural initiatives.

The festival this year placed a particular focus on promoting Arab musical heritage in its various forms, contributing to cultural exchange among Arab nations, and providing a unique artistic experience for the public.

Launched in 1997, the International Music Festival is an annual event organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters. It celebrates music as an essential form of artistic and cultural expression and showcases the diversity of Arab and international music.