Amir opens new Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center
Italian tenor Bocelli, top Kuwaiti artistes perform at launch
Under the auspices of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and with the Amir in attendance, the inauguration ceremony of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center was held yesterday, featuring a spectacular show that combined international and local music.
The ceremony was attended by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Qatar’s Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, former National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, senior sheikhs, HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other senior state officials.
The ceremony kicked off with the national anthem followed by a speech by the Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. “Today is a momentous day, as a cultural landmark, the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center has been opened,” Sheikh Ali said. He added that HH the Amir’s attendance augments the joy of the occasion, noting that the center will be instrumental to the development of the cultural sector in the country. Furthermore, Sheikh Ali said that the nation now enjoys the fruits of its labor, adding that he is confident that similar great achievements will follow. He then thanked the country’s leadership, wishing Kuwait continued prosperity.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli then performed at the cultural center, which includes a 2,000-seat opera house, the first in the state. Top Kuwaiti singers, artistes and performers took part in the event, which was also attended by a large number of local and foreign dignitaries. The sprawling 214,000 sq m center is located in the heart of Kuwait City and comprises four buildings, a theatre center, a music center, a conference center and a library for historical documents.
The four buildings at the center, whose geometric design was inspired by Islamic architecture, are covered with thousands of square meters of titanium shell. Named after the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, the center has several state-of-the art halls, including a 1,200-seat concert hall, as well as an indoor parking facility for 3,200 vehicles. The project, designed by SSH firm, was completed in just 22 months. Although Kuwait has been the leader in theatre and television serials in the Gulf region, it did not have a modern theatre. After a short documentary and the musical performances, HH the Amir and HH the Crown Prince were presented with commemorative gifts. — Agencies
His Highness the Amir’s patronage of the opening of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center is a testament to his unbridled support of national culture and arts, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said yesterday.
Sheikh Salman, who is also President of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), said that the center is a milestone in the nation’s history and is part of efforts to usher in Kuwait as the “Capital of Islamic Culture 2016.”
Moreover, on the opening of the new cultural center, he said that it is a watershed moment that will induce a cultural boom, thanks to strenuous efforts by His Highness the Amir. He also described the center as a catalyst that will help catapult Kuwait into cultural prominence. The Minister of Information also noted that the center is a glaring landmark befitting lofty contributions made by the people of the nation, while it serves as further affirmation of the country’s leadership’s belief in culture as a pillar of society. On the edifice itself, he said that it stretches on 214,000 square meters with three stages, in addition to musical and exhibition centers. Sheikh Salman thanked His Highness the Amir for inaugurating the center, which he described as a bastion of culture and arts that will go a long way to enhance Kuwait’s cultural ties with other Gulf and Arab nations.
Gratitude
Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent cables to Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa, Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Abdullah Abo Al-Hassan, Amiri Diwan Undersecretary Ibrahim Mohammad Al-Shatti, head of Amiri protocol and chamber lains Khaled Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and head of the Amiri Diwan’s Financial and Administrative Affairs Abdulaziz Ishaq for their efforts for carrying out Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center in record time.
His Highness the Amir referred to the excellent preparations for the inauguration ceremony with wonderful paintings. His Highness the Amir said that the center would boost and complete artistic, cultural and intellectual march of the dear homeland, adding that it would form a cultural and tourist landmark that attracts citizens, expats and visitors as well.
His Highness the Amir wished every success for all people and prosperity and progress for the dear homeland. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables to the officials. —KUNA