KUWAIT CITY, Oct 23: The International Music Festival embodies the political leadership’s strong commitment to supporting creativity and the arts, Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 25th edition of the festival at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, held under his patronage, Al-Mutairi described the event as a reflection of Kuwait’s dedication to promoting dialogue, diversity, and human connection through music — a universal language that transcends borders and unites peoples.

Minister of Information, Culture and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi speaks at the opening of the International Music Festival.

He noted that the festival coincides with Kuwait’s designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025, a milestone highlighting Kuwait’s long-standing cultural, creative, and media contributions. This recognition affirms Kuwait’s leading role regionally and internationally in fostering joint cultural action and advancing noble human values.

Al-Mutairi said the festival aligns with the 2023-2028 strategy of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), aiming to build an integrated cultural system founded on identity, innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange. Through diverse programs, NCCAL seeks to make culture and music key drivers of national development and essential elements of Kuwait’s soft power, enhancing its role as a bridge for cultural understanding.

This year’s festival honors renowned Kuwaiti artist Abdulaziz Al-Mufarrej, also known as Shadi Al-Khaleej, who has been a prominent voice of Kuwait’s national musical heritage. Al-Mutairi said the tribute celebrates the founding generation that established authentic Kuwaiti art and pays gratitude to those who have dedicated their talents to serving the nation and humanity through art.

The minister emphasized that over 25 years, the festival has grown into one of the region’s most significant musical events and a platform for artistic exchange, reinforcing Kuwait’s status as a cultural and humanitarian hub that fosters artistic development and aesthetic awareness.

During the festival, a number of distinguished Kuwaiti and Arab creators will be honored in recognition of their contributions to the musical scene. Al-Mutairi stressed that honoring artists is an investment in culture and encouragement for younger generations to pursue excellence.

Minister Al-Mutairi expressed gratitude to NCCAL and all organizing and artistic committees for their dedication to the festival’s success, as well as to the international guests, wishing Kuwait continued progress, prosperity, and a lasting role as a beacon of creativity and cultural dialogue.

The ceremony featured the honoring of Abdulaziz Al-Mufarrej alongside other prominent artists, including Dr. Hamad Bursali, Qatari composer Matar Al-Kuwari, Egyptian Dr. Enas Abdel Dayem, late Kuwaiti composer Ahmed Baqer — represented by his granddaughter — and composer Anwar Abdullah, recognizing their significant contributions to Gulf and Arab music.

The opening night included performances by Khaled Al-Ajery and Abdulaziz Al-Msbah, who presented a selection of songs by Shadi Al-Khaleej, accompanied by the musical band led by Maestro Dr. Khaled Al-Nouri, showcasing Kuwait’s rich musical heritage and the festival’s spirit of creativity and renewal.