TUNIS: The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization’s (ALECSO) Director of Culture Department Humaid Al-Nofali announced that the inclusion of Kuwait Towers on the Arab Heritage List affirms their status as a distinguished architectural landmark. The towers, recognized under the modern architecture category, were selected for their prominence in contemporary Arab heritage. Al-Nofali told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the decision was based on their unique engineering design, creative vision, and aesthetic appeal, qualifying them for entry into ALECSO’s “Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab Countries” register.
He noted that the jury unanimously acknowledged the towers’ embodiment of a modern architectural approach representing a pivotal stage in the evolution of Arab architecture. The iconic structures, he added, present a rare blend of cultural identity and modernity, enhancing their value as both a cultural symbol and a tourist attraction.
Al-Nofali underscored the significance of ALECSO’s heritage register, which offers a distinct perspective compared to those maintained by international bodies such as UNESCO and ISESCO. The register focuses on the urban growth of cities, particularly ancient urban centers that have preserved their historical character. Several such cities, he said, have been listed after meeting the organization’s criteria.
The initiative, he stressed, aims to safeguard Arab architectural and urban heritage amid challenges posed by exceptional circumstances, natural disasters, and human-made threats. Beyond preservation, the register seeks to raise public awareness of this heritage’s importance and integrate it into sectors such as tourism, the economy, and traditional crafts, thereby supporting sustainable development. — KUNA
