Al-Kout Festival at AUK

AUK hosted the Al-Kout Festival on March 31 and April 1 as part of the Arabian Heritage Project, a research, archival, and outreach center dedicated to promoting and fostering the heritage of the Peninsula and related cultures.

Under the Patronage of His Excellency Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah the festivities commenced at 5 pm and the Hamid bin Hussein Sea Band followed with a performance that attracted many members from the AUK community as well as from the public. Other special guests that attended the festival included Patron and Founder of the Sadu House, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones. 

In addition to seven hours of stage performances, the festival featured a bazaar, with several booths from local businesses and vendors, set up along the main corridor of the University, as well as art exhibitions by the National Museum, Sawt musicians, Bedouin poetry, distinguished live craftsmen, student art exhibits, and many other examples of authentic Kuwaiti traditions and culture. 

Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director of the Arabian Heritage Project, said that she was very pleased with the public turnout at the festival and looks forward to future events put on by the Arabian Heritage Project including a lecture series by the Sadu House.
 

The official cutting of the Ribbon. From left to right Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh
 

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
 

Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
 

Dr. Nizar Hamzeh gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
 

US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones attended the grand opening
 

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah dances with members of the Hamid Bin Hussein Sea Band
 

The Hamid Bin Hussein Sea Band performs on the Center Stage
 

Students observe the process of making different kinds of Kuwaiti & Arabic sweets
 

Distinguished live craftsmen where present at the Liberal Arts Building's auditorium
 

Distinguished live craftsmen where present at the Liberal Arts Building's auditorium
 

Several booths displayed various art work from AUK students & local Kuwaiti artists
 

Visitors got to watch the traditional Sadu weaving process
  

Classical piano music by Kuwaiti composers & student musicians
 

Classical piano music by Kuwaiti composers & student musicians
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Salman Al Amari and Kuwaiti "Sawt" music with Ahmed Al Saleh
 

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah talks to AUK artists about their art work on display
 

An exhibition of old cars from Kuwait's past
 

A candid discussion about henna among AUK guests