Mubarak Al-Abdullah: French Culture Enhances Paris's Global Standing

The Obeidi Holding Group renewed its commitment to supporting the French Institute in Kuwait and its cultural and educational activities by signing a new cooperation agreement. This agreement reflects the continuity of the partnership between the two sides and enhances the Institute’s role in promoting French culture and language, as well as consolidating cultural dialogue between Kuwait and France.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Obeidi Holding Group, and Soraya Sa’i, Cultural Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Counselor at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Kuwait. The signing took place yesterday morning at the French Institute’s headquarters, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffan.

On this occasion, Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah expressed his pride in the Group’s continued support for the French Institute in Kuwait as a Platinum sponsor over the past years, and voiced his aspiration to continue this approach in the future by supporting the various events and activities organized by the Institute. He noted that the Institute has witnessed significant development since his last visit, emphasizing that its importance extends beyond the building and facilities to include the staff team, which contributes to spreading French and Francophone culture, thereby reflecting France’s cultural, linguistic, and civilizational status and influence in the world.

Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah expressed his hope for the success of the new cultural season, pointing to several upcoming joint events and projects, and reaffirming the Group’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the Institute and supporting its mission, activities, and service to French culture and French speakers in Kuwait.

For his part, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Goffan expressed his appreciation for the continued support of Sheikh Mubarak and the Obeidi Holding Group for the French Institute, considering this support a reflection of the deep-rooted human and cultural ties binding Kuwait and France. Goffan stated that the close relationship that has united Sheikh Mubarak’s family and the Obeidi Holding Group with France and French culture over many years is a testament to the depth of relations between the two countries, adding that renewing cooperation will contribute to strengthening the presence of French culture and cultural dialogue in Kuwait.

For her part, Soraya Sa’i emphasized that Kuwaiti-French cultural relations are long-standing, noting that cooperation between the two countries dates back several decades, and that the cultural cooperation agreement between Kuwait and France dates back to 1969. She stated that French language education, cultural cooperation, scientific research, and archaeology constitute fundamental pillars of this partnership. She pointed out that the French Institute enjoys support from several partners in Kuwait, which helps it develop its programs and organize more activities and events.

Sa’i explained that the Platinum partnership with the Obeidi Holding Group represents important support for the Institute’s cultural program, contributing to organizing concerts, cultural events, and Francophone activities, alongside supporting the Institute’s efforts to spread and teach the French language in Kuwait.

Regarding French language education, Sa’i noted that the Institute welcomes hundreds of Kuwaiti students wishing to learn the language. She clarified that she does not currently have an exact figure for the number of students, but thousands of learners have passed through the Institute over the past decades. She highlighted that the Institute’s graduates come from various sectors and specialties, including doctors who learned French before traveling to France to enhance their medical skills, as well as lawyers, military personnel, and others. She considered the Institute’s alumni network in Kuwait to be extensive, representing an extension of the French community and cultural ties in the country.

She explained that the Institute offers progressive French language courses, starting from level A1 for beginners up to level C2. Students with prior knowledge of the language can register directly in intensive courses to prepare for exams. She noted that one course began on September 6, while another will launch in November. Each course lasts approximately two months, after which students can take exams and obtain certified diplomas.

She confirmed that the French Institute is the only entity in Kuwait authorized to issue the official government-certified diploma attesting to French language proficiency. She clarified that the certificate is official, permanent, and does not expire, and is recognized by French universities and institutions.

Regarding the cultural program, Sa’i affirmed that the support received by the Institute contributes to expanding the scope of its activities and events. She mentioned the opening of an art exhibition and artist studios, as well as “Club France,” a new multimedia space that allows the use of virtual reality technology and hosts live music performances, visual shows, and various cultural activities.

She revealed the Institute’s readiness to present its annual cultural program, which includes a wide range of events and activities, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its presence and enhancing communication between the Kuwaiti and French communities.