His Highness the Amir assumed the reins of power on December 20, 2023, to become the 17th ruler of Kuwait, following a distinguished career spanning six decades, during which he held security and military positions before having been nominated as Crown Prince, in addition to accompanying the State of Kuwait’s rulers or representing them in many official visits and missions.
On that day two years ago, His Highness the Amir addressed the National Assembly after taking the constitutional oath at the government’s request, pursuant to Article 60 of the Constitution and in accordance with Article 72 of the National Assembly’s bylaws.
“I pledge to Almighty Allah, and then pledge to the faithful Kuwaiti people and their representatives, to be the devoted citizen to his homeland and people, keen on safeguarding the interests of the country and its people, preserving national unity, striving for the elevation, progress and prosperity of the homeland, adhering to the religion and the firmly established national and constitutional principles, respecting the law and its enforcement, and combating all forms and manifestations of corruption.”
His Highness the Amir added that Kuwait would remain and survive “and our lifespans are reflected in our deeds,” affirming the “continuation of Kuwait’s approach and pioneering role with sisterly and friendly countries on various issues and matters of mutual interest,” while maintaining its commitments at the Gulf, regional and international levels.
https://timeskuwait.com/kuwait-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-of-the-amirs-assumption-of-office/
ARAB “ Bisht” added to UNESCO’s Arab Cultural Heritage list.
By Sheikha Suhaila Fahad Al-Sabah, Managing Editor, TIMES KUWAIT
https://timeskuwait.com/bisht-added-to-unescos-arab-cultural-heritage-list/
In a historic step embodying the depth of Arab cooperation and cultural cohesion, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) inscribed the ‘Bisht,’ the traditional Arab men’s cloak, in its list of Arab Cultural Heritage.
The file, ‘The Bisht: Skills and Practices,’ has been added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in New Delhi, India from 8–13 December 2025
The inclusion of the ‘BISHT’ in the prestigious UNESCO list was the result of joint efforts led by the State of Qatar, with the participation of Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria, reflecting a strong Arab commitment to protecting and preserving their shared heritage for future generations.
The BISHT, a men’s cloak associated with prestige and social standing, dates back centuries. Ancient Christian and Hebrew texts indicate its use during the time of Jesus, particularly among the inhabitants of the Levant and the Holy Land. The Greek historian Herodotus was among the first to document this garment in the 5th century BC, describing Arab soldiers as “wearing a long cloak tied with a belt.”
Linguistic research suggests that the word ‘BISHT’ originates from Akkadian, the Semitic language of Babylon, and carries the meaning of majesty and grandeur—a connotation befitting the status of this garment, worn by princes, nobles, Sufi mystics, and dignitaries throughout history. The word appears in numerous legal and literary sources, including Al-Shirazi’s ‘Nihayat al-Rutba fi Talab al-Hisba’ and Jalal al-Hanafi’s ‘Dictionary of Colloquial Baghdadi Arabic.’
Over the centuries, the BISHT has remained a symbol of dignity, elegance, and social status in various Arab societies. Worn on national, official, and social occasions, it showcases meticulous hand-sewing and traditional embroidery skills. Its inclusion on the UNESCO list is a culmination of Arab cooperation in preparing a file that reflects the unity of heritage and the depth of shared cultural ties.
BISHT making flourished in Kuwait during the 1930s and 40s, with several families and diwaniyas (traditional gathering places) renowned for their mastery of this craft. Competition among these families was fierce, given the difficulty of the process and the long hours of meticulous work required to complete a single BISHT. Diwaniya owners offered the craftsmen financial compensation, incentivizing creativity and thus establishing a solid reputation for families whose names have been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship for decades.
The inscription of the BISHT on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity represents global recognition of the value of this ancient heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving the traditional skills and practices associated with it and embodies a successful model of Arab cooperation in safeguarding shared heritage. This achievement highlights the BISHT’s ability to evolve and adapt to the times without losing its grandeur and authenticity, remaining a timeless symbol of Arab identity and a cultural landmark that extends from the past to the future.
The BISHT is more than just a traditional garment; it carries profound social and cultural messages. Throughout history, it has been associated with celebrations and joyous occasions, becoming an integral part of the rituals that accompany life in Arab societies. In many Gulf communities, the BISHT is given as a gift to express appreciation and respect, reflecting its symbolic significance in the Arab consciousness.
Furthermore, the BISHT serves as a means of preserving traditional crafts, combining weaving skills, tailoring precision, and embroidery techniques, thus keeping these crafts alive and in demand despite the dominance of modern fashion industry.
With its growing international recognition, the BISHT has secured a prominent place at global events celebrating heritage and fashion. It has begun appearing at international exhibitions and cultural evenings, and global designers are increasingly studying its techniques and incorporating its details into their modern designs. This expansion reflects the BISHT’s ability to transcend its local boundaries and become part of the global dialogue on the importance of preserving heritage as an inspiring element in creative industries. This opens new horizons for Arab artisans and strengthens the position of Gulf heritage on the international stage.
