Kuwait city: Kuwait's diwaniyas have gained international recognition following their inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. The inscription highlights the role of diwaniyas in preserving dialogue, social cohesion, and national identity. Traditionally, the diwaniya serves as a gathering place where people discuss social, cultural, and public affairs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Mohammad bin Redha, Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, said the UNESCO inscription represents a national and cultural achievement reflecting Kuwait's commitment to safeguarding its living heritage and cultural identity. He said the recognition confirms the diwaniya's importance as a cultural and social practice that promotes dialogue, tolerance, and the exchange of knowledge and values across generations.
Bin Redha noted that the inscription was achieved through efforts led by the council in coordination with relevant authorities and in accordance with UNESCO standards for protecting intangible cultural heritage. He added that the recognition will support initiatives aimed at strengthening the diwaniya's cultural, educational, and media role through academic research, youth programmes, and public events, while enhancing Kuwait's cultural presence internationally.
Fahad Al Abduljalil, President of the Kuwait Heritage Society, said the diwaniya has long been associated with Kuwait's history and development and has become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage and national identity. He highlighted the role of diwaniyas in supporting educational and cultural initiatives, noting that the establishment of Al Mubarakiya School, Kuwait's first formal school, in 1911 originated from the diwaniya of Yusuf bin Isa Al Qina'i. He also noted that the diwaniya of the Shuaib family on Failaka Island hosted Al Salahiya Al Amiriya School, the island's first formal school, in 1937.
Ayed Ateeq Al Juraid, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, said many of Kuwait's reform, educational, and cultural projects originated in diwaniyas, including initiatives related to education, civic participation, and cultural development. He cited the Shura Council, whose idea was proposed in the diwaniya of Nasser Al Bader in 1921, and the first Kuwaiti literary club, which emerged in the diwaniya of Sheikh Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah and was established in 1924.
The diwaniya has also played a role in supporting communities during periods of hardship and has served as a channel of communication between citizens and leadership. Historical records indicate that diwaniyas contributed to alleviating the effects of economic hardship, including during the famine of 1868 when they opened their storage facilities to assist those affected.
In recent decades, the institution has evolved with the emergence of women's diwaniyas, expanding opportunities for social engagement, cultural exchange, and community initiatives. Souad Al Mejel, professor and writer, said Kuwaiti women played an active role in social and economic life, particularly during the era of pearl diving and seafaring, when they assumed significant family responsibilities. She said their contributions later led to the establishment of formal girls' schools in 1937 and culminated in political participation following the granting of political rights in 2005.
Al Mejel highlighted pioneering women who entered fields traditionally dominated by men, including the diwaniya sphere. She cited the diwaniya of Lulwa Al Qatami, which focused on women's affairs and rights, and that of Dr. Souad Al Sabah, which developed into a cultural and intellectual forum. According to KUNA, Al Mejel said she regularly participates in a number of diwaniyas that bring together politicians, intellectuals, and citizens from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.