KUWAIT: Highlighting the growing cultural and identity challenges facing Arab societies in an era dominated by globalization, Director General of the Kuwait National Library Siham Al-Azmi stressed the need for stronger commitment to the Arabic language as a pillar of shared identity and cultural continuity. Her remarks came during the Arab Culture and Media Capital GCC Countries Forum: Capitals of Arab Culture, held Monday at the Kuwait National Library, marking World Arabic Language Day and coinciding with Kuwait’s designation as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media.
Al-Azmi noted that Arabic is more than a tool of communication, describing it as a “guardian of faith,” a “safety valve for identity,” and a “guarantee of continuity and survival.” She explained that the Kuwait National Library has made a point of celebrating World Arabic Language Day annually, documenting its activities and making them available to researchers and the public, reflecting the language’s “lofty status and central place in the conscience of the Arab nation.”
She added that the forum’s alignment with World Arabic Language Day and Kuwait’s cultural title underscored a collective commitment to Arabic, not only as a means of expression, but as a “deep-rooted bond of unity,” a reflection of identity, and a defining feature of Arab civilization. Al-Azmi also highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the language, noting that Arabic was honored as the vessel of Islam’s message, enabling Arab societies to build history, shape culture, and establish a civilization recognized worldwide.
Dr Laila Al-Sabaan
Rare books are displayed during exhibition. – KUNA photos
Siham Al-Azmi
Meanwhile, Dr Laila Al-Sabaan, President of the Global Council for the Arabic Language, emphasized that Arabic warrants sustained care and attention at both regional and international levels. She recalled that demands to recognize Arabic as an official language at the United Nations began more than a decade ago, a goal that was eventually realized.
Dr Al-Sabaan noted that Kuwait was among the first countries to consistently celebrate World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on December 18, reflecting the country’s long-standing commitment to preserving Arabic as a living language of identity, culture, and global presence. She further explained that the forum aims to uncover shared cultural ground among Gulf states and strengthen cultural dialogue, emphasizing that humanity’s true legacy throughout history lies in inclusive cultural values that help shape awareness and benefit successive generations.
The forum’s program included a lecture titled “Cultural Renaissance and Its Transformations in the Gulf States: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” delivered by Dr Hassan Al-Nuaimi, professor of Arabic language at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in Riyadh, as well as “Kuwait and Oman: Cultural Bonds and Shared Visions,” presented by Dr Khaled Al-Kindi, Head of the Arabic Language Department at Sultan Qaboos University.
Activities will continue on Tuesday with a lecture titled “Cultural Movement in Qatar and Kuwait: International Manifestations and Expressions,” presented by Dr Yahya Al-Mahdi, professor at the University of Qatar, alongside “Cultural Ties Between Kuwait and Yemen,” delivered by Dr Omar Basarih, and “A Lexicon of Kuwaiti Dialect Vocabulary Using Symbols,” presented by Dr Leila Al-Sabaan. On the sidelines of the forum, an exhibition organized by the Kuwaiti Heritage Society showcased a collection of rare Arabic books and magazines, including publications documenting the history of Kuwait and several Arab countries.
