KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: The Kuwait Writers Association (KWA) inaugurated its new cultural season on Sunday under the patronage of Sheikha Afrah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, marking the occasion by honoring the winners of its inaugural literary award.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, KWA Secretary General Eng. Humaidi Al-Mutairi said the event celebrates “authentic expression and creative thought,” emphasizing the association’s mission to support literary talent and foster meaningful cultural engagement.

Al-Mutairi stated that the award has already made a tangible impact, with increased interest from writers applying for membership and participating in activities. “This growing engagement confirms the trust in the Association’s role and message,” he added, noting that the cultural season aims to encourage serious literary projects that enrich the Kuwaiti and Arab cultural scene.

The award for Best Novel was presented to acclaimed Kuwaiti writer Saud Al-Sanousi for his work "Journeys of the City of Clay" (Asfar Madinat Al-Teen), while the Best Poetry Collection award went to Faleh bin Tefla for his collection "Moons and Balconies" (Aqmar wa Sharafat).

The Best Children’s Story award was jointly awarded to Shaimaa Al-Qallaf for "Rabab’s Heart" (Qalb Rabab) and Hadeel Al-Hasawi for "How the World Disappeared" (Kayfa Ikhtafa Al-Alam).

In the Best Critical Article category, the award was shared between Batoul Al-Khamees, for her article on reform culture in children's literature (The Culture of Reform in Children’s Stories – A Reading of Fereej Dhim), and Muna Al-Shafei, for her impressionistic reading of the short story collection Rare Cases 6 (Halat Nadra 6) by Abdulwahab Al-Rifai.

In her remarks, Sheikha Afrah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah expressed her pride in sponsoring and being a member of the Association, stating: “Literature is not a linguistic luxury or an art isolated from life—it is a mirror of the conscience, a vessel of identity, and a bridge between the past and the present.” She emphasized that cultural vitality is achieved through collective effort, sincere intention, and creative continuity.

“The Writers Association Award is not just a symbolic tribute,” she added, “but the culmination of a creative journey and a motivation for young talents who carry the torch of the future.”

Chairman of the Award’s Jury, Dr. Salem Khadadah, highlighted the award’s aim to foster competition, raise literary standards, and uncover new voices in the cultural landscape. “This award reflects a sincere desire to advance creative expression by recognizing distinguished contributions and encouraging hidden talent to emerge,” he said, acknowledging the jury’s extensive efforts in evaluating submissions across all categories.

The Kuwait Writers Association reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a platform for intellectual and literary dialogue, and a hub for writers and thinkers across the region.

Chairman of the Award Jury, Dr. Salem Khadadah

Honoring the winners of the inaugural Kuwaiti Writers Association Award