National Bank of Kuwait Hosts Writer Abdulrazzaq Bahbahani

During the inaugural session of the “Reading Club,” launched by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) in collaboration with Dhat al-Salsal Library, the bank hosted Kuwaiti writer Abdulrazzaq Bahbahani, attended by a select group of literature, culture, and reading enthusiasts. The event was part of a series of dialogic meetings that bring together writers and readers for intellectual and literary discussions aimed at promoting reading culture and enriching Kuwait’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

The evening, titled “How Does a Story Come to Life? ... From Experience to Writing,” featured Bahbahani sharing his journey in the world of writing, highlighting how daily experiences and situations transform into literary ideas and stories. He outlined key stages of inspiration, idea development, and narrative structure building, leading to the final written text.

During the session, Bahbahani discussed several milestones that shaped his literary experience, sharing his perspective on creative writing and the importance of observation and reflection in turning everyday details into literary works that resonate with and inspire readers.

The evening featured an interactive dialogue moderated by novelist and short story writer Jamila Sayed Ali, who provided the audience with the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and hear the writer’s views on his literary experience, alongside discussions on various issues related to the art of storytelling and creative writing.

The session reflected the strong public engagement with the initiative, as participants exchanged ideas and impressions about the evening’s topic and benefited from the experiences and insights presented by the writer.

Commenting on the occasion, Talal Al-Turki, Deputy President – Head of Public Relations and Events Management at NBK, said: “The participation and interaction witnessed at the first Reading Club session reflect the growing interest in cultural and intellectual activities, underscoring the importance of providing spaces that bring writers and readers together for enriching dialogues, opening new horizons for learning, and exchanging expertise. During this session, we observed a genuine enthusiasm among the audience to learn about writer Abdulrazzaq Bahbahani’s experience and to hear his views on creative writing and the stages a story goes through from its initial idea to the completion of the text.”

He added: “Through the Reading Club, we aim to deliver a comprehensive cultural experience that strengthens the presence of books and culture in society, offering the public the opportunity for direct interaction with a select group of authors and thinkers. We look forward to continuing to host prominent literary and intellectual figures in upcoming sessions, in coordination with Dhat al-Salsal Library, to enrich the club’s intellectual content and align with the interests of readers from all backgrounds.”

The “Reading Club” represents a new addition to the cultural programs NBK is committed to offering. Over the coming months, it will continue to host a group of writers and thinkers in dialogic sessions that enrich the cultural and intellectual landscape, providing the public with the opportunity to closely engage with their experiences and intellectual and creative insights.

Through its programs and community initiatives, NBK continues to support cultural and intellectual activities that contribute to raising awareness and consolidating a culture of lifelong learning, in line with its commitment to serving society and contributing to various aspects of human and cultural development.