Discover America Festival returns with more events

Festival underlines deep US-Kuwait relations

Press roundtable at the US Embassy.

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 23: The State of Kuwait has always enjoyed great relations with the United States of America, stretching back decades before the Gulf War. For this reason and many more, the annual Discover America Festival is back with more events and seminars in various fields that underline the deep relations which the US and Kuwait share.

Launched just yesterday and ending on Nov 2, the US Embassy in the State of Kuwait organized the festival in which US iconic fashion brands, foods, film, music, education, tourism, business know-hows and more are going to be highlighted.

Speaking to the press at the US Embassy Sunday, Senior Commercial Officer and Commercial Counselor in the US Department of Commerce at the embassy Jeff Hamilton affirmed that the strong relations between the two countries gave birth to the annual Discover America Festival. He said 2016 is its fourth consecutive year, bringing more to the table than the years before with special emphasis on education and tourism.

He pointed out that each day of this festival will witness events which are mostly open to the public, while some are reserved for certain parties but still open to the media. He added there will be special promotions in 20 different American restaurants and retail stores throughout Kuwait during the festival.

In terms of business, the festival includes three days for addressing three key business fields at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) as follows: Oct 25 — starting or expanding your business in the US, Oct 26 — healthcare connections between the two countries, and Oct 27 – procurement of business opportunities with the US Military Base in Kuwait.

Asked about the importance of the Kuwaiti market in comparison to other GCC countries, Hamilton explained Kuwait is as important to the US as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and most likely more than the rest, which is another reason why this festival is held every year.

Furthermore, Laila Gallery Theatre in Salmiya will host free screening of the 2016 remake of a 1960s classic — “The Magnificent Seven” — starting at 7:00 pm on Oct 30.

The festival will also showcase the Kuwaiti public’s passion for cars such that Kuwait’s Jeep dealership will commemorate the brand’s 75th anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception on Nov 1, while the American University of Kuwait, where education is being celebrated, will provide everything you need to know if you intend to study in the US.