Kuwait National Library Hosts GCC Forum on Arab Culture Capitals

The National Library of Kuwait on Monday hosted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Forum – Capitals of Arab Culture, marking World Arabic Language Day and coinciding with Kuwait being named the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. The event brought together cultural leaders, academics, and representatives from across the GCC to celebrate the Arabic language and shared cultural heritage.

President of the Global Council for the Arabic Language, Dr. Laila Al-Sabaan, said the celebration reflects the global standing of Arabic as a cultural and civilizational bridge connecting peoples. She noted that the forum, organised in cooperation with the Kuwait National Library and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), gathers council members from GCC states to strengthen cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Dr. Al-Sabaan emphasized that the forum aims to reinforce shared cultural ties among GCC countries and promote collaboration, stressing that cultural heritage represents a lasting legacy that must be preserved for future generations. She highlighted the importance of joint efforts in safeguarding Arab cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

Director General of the Kuwait National Library, Seham Al-Azmi, said the forum seeks to enhance cultural relations among GCC states while underlining the significance of preserving the Arabic language as a core pillar of Arab identity amid global challenges. She noted that such initiatives help reinforce linguistic and cultural awareness across the region.

The forum’s programme included lectures on cultural development in GCC countries, delivered by academics from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen, with activities continuing on Tuesday. An accompanying exhibition organised by the Kuwait Heritage Society showcased rare Arabic books and magazines, including historical publications documenting Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage.