Ahmadi Governor, Al-Jarallah exchange views on media role and City’s heritage

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 3: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad met with Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and Editor-in- Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah at his office in the headquarters of Ahmadi Governorate, reports Al-Seyassah daily. During the meeting, they talked about the vital role that media institutions play in tackling societal issues and public services, effectively communicating the citizens’ aspirations and needs to officials, and establishing connections among community segments. They also touched on the contributions of the media in showcasing development and service projects in the governorate, along with initiatives to improve the services offered to residents.

The governor underscored the important function of the media as a reliable source for accurate reporting of information, news and events, as well as for addressing community concerns responsibly. He expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the newspapers and the governorate, while stressing the need for continuous cooperation in the interest of the public. On the other hand, Al-Jarallah listened to the detailed account of Sheikh Humoud Jaber regarding the history of Ahmadi City, which was completed as a fully integrated city in 1949 and the oil wealth on its land that has been a source of prosperity for Kuwait.

They also discussed various figures who served as governors of Ahmadi over the past years. The governor revealed that upon assuming his duties, he researched the city’s history and concluded that it deserves recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), considering its unique architectural character, urban layout and environment. He said he is currently contacting the organization to include Ahmadi City under its umbrella, indicating that in the 1940s and 1950s, it was a destination for visitors from all over the world—a legacy shown on its walls, architecture and streets till date. He pointed out that the governorate is now home to more than a million individuals, the majority of whom are Kuwaitis. He added that the governorate has a lot of gardens, parks, and traditional markets, as well as the Ahmadi Cinema—one of the oldest movie theaters in the country—which once served as a popular weekend destination for families. He mentioned that the governorate is currently working on its renovation to ensure that the new generation can enjoy it just as their parents and grandparents did.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the governor gave Al-Jarallah a tour of the governorate’s headquarters, where he showed a collection of historical photographs featuring monarchs and heads of states who visited Ahmadi in the past. The governor reiterated his hope to have Ahmadi City registered as a heritage site with UNESCO, affirming that efforts toward this goal are ongoing, even if the initial registration covers only a portion of the city. It is worth noting that on Jan 21, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) added Ahmadi City to UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites.