KUWAIT CITY, Nov 1: The Public Authority for Youth (PAY) announced on Saturday that the 16th edition of the Youth Theater Days Festival will take place from November 12 to 22, under the patronage of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

Walid Al-Ansari, Acting Deputy Director General of the Authority for the Youth Sector, said in a press statement that the festival represents a vibrant artistic platform highlighting the Authority’s commitment to nurturing young theatrical talent and fostering creativity and innovation among youth. He emphasized that the event reflects PAY’s broader strategy to promote culture and the arts as key elements of youth development.

Al-Ansari noted that the Authority has selected veteran Kuwaiti actor Saad Al-Faraj as the festival’s honoree this year in recognition of his distinguished artistic career and lasting contributions to Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arab theater. He said the tribute reflects young artists’ appreciation for pioneers who laid the foundations of Kuwait’s theatrical movement.

He added that participating theater groups are finalizing preparations for their performances, which are expected to feature spirited competition for the festival’s awards—showcasing the growth and vitality of Kuwait’s youth theater scene.

Al-Ansari also expressed gratitude to the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters for its generous support of the 16th edition, stressing that the partnership underscores the unity of national efforts in advancing cultural and artistic initiatives.

He explained that the festival’s organizing team, led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Muzal, is completing final preparations to ensure the event meets high standards of professionalism befitting its reputation as a key youth-oriented artistic gathering.

Al-Ansari invited theater enthusiasts and the public to attend and enjoy the performances, which will be held at Dasma Theater throughout the festival’s duration.