Kamal Ghorui
A shared history built on trust, cooperation and people-to-people bonds will take centre stage next week as the UAE launches a nationwide celebration honouring its close relationship with Kuwait. From illuminated landmarks and cultural showcases to high-level forums and concerts, the initiative is designed to remind both nations of how deep their ties run and where they are headed together.
In line with directives from the UAE leadership, a week-long programme titled “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” will begin next Thursday and run until 4 February. More than 40 social, cultural and entertainment events will take place across all seven emirates.The initiative highlights the long-standing relationship between the UAE and Kuwait across economic, educational, media, cultural and sporting fields. It also aims to chart a future of stronger and deeper engagement between the two countries and their people.Among the key visual highlights will be the illumination of iconic UAE landmarks in the colours of the Kuwaiti flag, alongside fireworks and drone displays. An innovative marine parade symbolising unity and brotherhood between the two nations is also planned. Concerts and art performances celebrating shared cultural heritage will be held throughout the week.The programme extends beyond performances. It includes forums and strategic dialogues, cultural and artistic activities for families and children, workshops inspired by Kuwaiti heritage, screenings of classic Kuwaiti films, a Kuwaiti food festival, and themed activities in malls and tourist destinations. Kuwaiti citizens visiting the UAE during the celebrations will receive special welcomes and souvenirs.
Media and economic forums take centre stage
A major pillar of the week will be the UAE-Kuwait Media Forum, scheduled for 29 January. Drawing inspiration from historical and cultural milestones that strengthened bilateral relations over decades, the forum will showcase the depth of cooperation between the two countries.The event will honour prominent figures who played key roles in fostering these ties and will underline a shared commitment to fraternal values and a collective Gulf identity. Rare documents and photographs reflecting decades of cooperation will be displayed.Strategic dialogues featuring leading diplomatic and cultural figures will explore the future of bilateral relations and regional cooperation. These discussions will trace how ties between the UAE and Kuwait flourished across academic institutions, sports arenas, art spaces and poetry circles, with the aim of documenting a shared legacy and reinforcing enduring bonds.Economic cooperation will be in focus at the UAE-Kuwait Economic Forum on 2 February. The forum will seek to strengthen trade and investment relations rooted in shared history. It will examine new investment opportunities, trade growth across priority sectors, institutional frameworks for deeper integration, and support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises, while also highlighting success stories.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai host flagship events
Abu Dhabi’s celebrations will include the “Kuwait’s Timeless Nights” concert on 29 January at ADNEC, featuring Nabil Shuail, Ahlam, Eida Al Menhali and Abdulaziz Al Duwaihi. A sailboat parade along the capital’s waterfront will display the UAE and Kuwait flags.Yas Island, in collaboration with Miral, will host a range of entertainment activities, along with special admission discounts to Yas Island attractions exclusively for UAE and Kuwaiti citizens. Kuwaiti visitors will receive free entry to the Sheikh Zayed Festival and warm receptions at Zayed International Airport, including activities and souvenirs.Additional events will be held at Abu Dhabi malls, the Children’s Library, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Heritage Village and Al Ain Oasis. Tourist landmarks such as Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum will offer special discounts. Yas Bay Waterfront will host daily drone shows from 29 January to 4 February 2026, alongside landmark illuminations in Kuwaiti flag colours.In Dubai, the “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” programme will feature “Kuwait’s Timeless Nights” on 30 January at Burj Park, with performances by Hussain Al Jassmi, Mutref Al Mutref, Balqees and Khaled Al Mudhafar.From 29 January to 4 February, Jumeirah Kite Beach will host “Kuwait at Home”, blending live music and cuisine. The beach will also feature aerial displays by the Fursan Al Emarat air display team on 1 and 2 February, an Emirati and Kuwaiti youth gathering on 3 February, and a concert by Ibrahim Dashti on 4 February.Global Village will mark the occasion with special displays at the Kuwait Pavilion, while ARTE Museum Dubai will host a dedicated exhibition at Dubai Mall. The Kuwaiti Cinema Week will screen classic Kuwaiti films in Dubai theatres, celebrating the country’s cinematic heritage.A cultural showcase at the House of Arts at Expo City Dubai on 3 February will feature the Firdaus Orchestra, a talk with Kuwaiti artist Munira Al Shami, folk music performances and guided tours. Fireworks are planned at Burj Al Arab and Dubai Festival City on 29 January, drone shows at Marsa Boulevard on 2 February, and nightly light projections at Festival City.Kuwaiti citizens will be welcomed at Dubai International Airport, while iconic landmarks across the emirate will be illuminated. Additional events will take place in malls, Kuwaiti-owned cafes and select hotels.
Celebrations extend across the northern emirates
Fujairah will illuminate its landmarks between 29 January and 4 February and host the Kuwait in Fujairah Festival at Fujairah Castle on 31 January. The festival will include art and cultural activities, a display of Kuwaiti gifts at the Fujairah Museum, interactive shows and a home-business market.Ras Al Khaimah will also light up its landmarks throughout the week and host a joint UAE-Kuwait concert on 4 February. A Kuwaiti Food Festival will be held at Al Marjan Island from 29 January to 1 February, offering traditional cuisine, heritage shows and traditional games.
A relationship rooted in history
Relations between the UAE and Kuwait are widely regarded as a model of bilateral cooperation in the region. The foundations were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, grounded in strong human and historical bonds.Kuwait was among the earliest supporters of the UAE’s union in 1971 and played a significant role in its early progress. It was also one of the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE, with embassies opening in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City in 1972.The “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” week builds on this legacy, bringing history, culture, and future ambition together in a nationwide celebration of a partnership that continues to grow.
