United Nations Gather to Celebrate Kuwait National Day

Photo Credits: Society & Diplomatic Review

In the 17th century, Kuwait was established as a small fishing village with a very small population. But eventually at the end of the eighteenth century, Kuwait’s position began to flourish and it became a major trading point and boat-building point.

The National Day in Kuwait is celebrated on February 25 every year. This special holiday commemorates the day that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became the ruler of Kuwait in 1950. Al-Sabah was an exceptional leader. During his reign, he signed a treaty that secured Kuwait’s independence from Britain, putting an end to its status as a British protectorate in 1961. It was also during Al-Sabah’s rule that the Constitution of Kuwait and the Parliament of Kuwait were formally established. In fact, the first holiday in the Calendar was marked on the 19th of June as Kuwait National Day that year. The British protected the country against the invasion by the Turks in the same year. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah played a major and important role that led to Kuwait’s independence, he is considered the leading person for this public holiday in Kuwait.

The first celebrations were held in 1963. People in Kuwait celebrate this day by going to different places, watching fireworks at night, hanging out with friends, and more. People decorate their houses with colorful lights, flags, and even candles are lit at dinner time. The historical places like Kuwait National Museum, Al Bahhar Entertainment Historical Village, Mirror House, and Kuwait Towers are decorated with light. Flags are hoisted in buildings and displayed in public spaces. The streets are alive to the early hours of the next morning each year. National Day is a public holiday in Kuwait.

This year, His Excellency Ambassador Tareq M. A. M. AlBanai, the Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the UN hosted alongside His Excellency Mr. Azzam AlAsfoor, Consul General of Kuwait to the Consulate General of Kuwait to New York and their spouses, a reception at their Mission for delegates, diplomats, and friends.

In Feb. 2018, Kuwait ranked 78th number on the Corruption Perceptions Index, advancing by seven places compared to its 85 spots in 2017, Transparency International indicated in its CPI. Nearly all of the population is literate. General education in Kuwait is compulsory for native Kuwaitis between the ages of 6 and 14. It is entirely free and also includes school meals, books, uniforms, transportation, and medical attention. Non-Kuwaiti students typically attend private schools.