ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait kicked off a week-long celebration on Thursday under the banner “UAE and Kuwait … Brothers Forever,” highlighting decades of close ties between the two Gulf nations.
The initiative, launched at the direction of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on November 21 , 2025, aims to showcase the deep-rooted historical, social and political bonds that link the two countries. “Our relations with Kuwait are those of brotherhood, love and kinship. They have been a support before and after the union (of the Arab Emirates), and their solidarity continues to this day,” Sheikh Mohamed said at the time, calling the celebration “a duty.”
Kuwait welcomed the initiative with official praise. A statement from the Amiri Diwan emphasized the country’s gratitude, saying the initiative “reflects the depth of historical brotherly ties that have forged a solid Gulf unity through different milestones.”
Kuwait’s Ambassador to the UAE Jamal Al-Ghunaim, described the initiative as “a sincere recognition from our Emirati brothers of a long history of cooperation and solidarity.” He noted that the relationship “goes beyond diplomacy, forming a deep brotherly partnership across political, economic, and cultural fields that has strengthened Gulf and Arab unity.”
The logo of the UAE-Kuwait week which reads “UAE and Kuwait, Brothers Forever.”
“Celebrating this occasion reflects the UAE leadership’s dedication to loyalty and brotherhood and demonstrates Kuwait’s place in the hearts of the Emirati people,” Al-Ghunaim said. He added that Kuwait views the initiative with pride and looks forward to continued collaboration in areas that serve the interests of both nations.
Kuwaiti Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Khaled Al-Zaabi praised the celebration as “a genuine message of love that reflects the authenticity of social and human relations between our peoples.” He said the initiative shows that the relationship “extends beyond formal frameworks into daily life and sincere human interactions,” and offers an opportunity to strengthen connections between the two societies.
Media voices in the UAE also highlighted the historical significance of the initiative. Ahmed Al-Alawi, editor-in-chief of Al-Ain News, called it “the culmination of a long path of rapprochement, showing a sustainable brotherhood reinforced by trust and shared history.” He added that key moments, including the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, tested the relationship, with UAE support elevating ties from brotherhood to a “critical partnership.”
Dr Fadheela Almaeeni, President of the UAE Journalists Association, described the initiative as “a confirmation of the deep historical and human bonds that connect our nations and peoples.” She said the UAE and Kuwait have supported each other through both prosperity and hardship. “This celebration offers a cultural and social opportunity to educate new generations about our shared history and values, including solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation,” she said.
The UAE-Kuwait relationship spans more than six decades, beginning with Kuwait’s educational and medical missions in the Emirates in the 1950s and 1960s, support for early television broadcasting, and continuing with economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Kuwait was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the UAE after its formation in 1971, and the two countries have consistently reinforced their partnership through commercial, investment and humanitarian initiatives.
As part of the week’s events, the UAE will host the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum at the Museum of the Future in Dubai and the UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum at the Burj Al-Arab, in addition to various celebrations marking the enduring bond between the two GCC countries. All visitors arriving at Kuwait International Airport on flights from the United Arab Emirates are receiving a special welcome as part of a campaign launched by the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. — KUNA
