KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Minister of Information and Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, who also serves as Chairman of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), has issued a ministerial decision to restructure the licensing mechanism for theatrical and artistic performances in Kuwait.

The decision aims to streamline the process while ensuring alignment with national laws and cultural values. According to Aisha Al-Mahmoud, Assistant Secretary-General for the Culture Sector and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for the Arts Sector at NCCAL, entities wishing to advertise a theatrical or artistic performance must now submit an official request to the designated authority within the council, accompanied by all required documents.

Al-Mahmoud explained that the council will respond to applications within three days of meeting all specified conditions. Applicants are also required to sign a declaration confirming that the performance does not violate any prohibitions under Law No. 3 of 2006 and its amendments. The declaration must also take into account the provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 concerning children's rights and other relevant legislation in force.

Once the application is approved, organizers may publicly announce the event and open bookings in accordance with regulations set by competent authorities. A final approval process is required, in which a designated committee from NCCAL will attend the final rehearsal at least three days prior to the public showing and no more than fifteen days after rehearsal scheduling. The committee will then decide whether to approve, request modifications, or reject the performance.

The decision applies to all theatrical and artistic performances, including those organized by civil theater groups, private institutions, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental entities. All approvals will be granted based on Kuwait’s current legal and legislative framework.

Al-Mahmoud emphasized that the restructuring reinforces the cultural and social significance of theater as a creative art form that fosters public awareness. She noted that this move grants artists full responsibility before their audiences to deliver meaningful content that respects societal values. She also underscored the critical role of children’s theater as a platform for promoting both cognitive and social development among young audiences.