Abdullah Al-Wais to 'Al-Nahar': 'With Students' is a 50-Year History.. It Placed Me Before a Great Responsibility

Director Abdullah Al-Wais affirmed that the “Ma’a Al-Tullab” (With the Students) program is not treated as an ordinary television show, but rather as an integral part of the history of media and education in the State of Kuwait, spanning a journey of more than fifty years and witnessed by successive generations. In a special statement to Al-Nahar, Al-Wais said regarding the new season: “This history places a great responsibility before me; because my role is not merely to direct beautiful scenes, but to preserve the legacy of a program that has lived in people’s memories, while simultaneously transmitting it to the current generation through a new visual language, a modern rhythm, and imagery that resembles and expresses this generation.”

Al-Wais stressed that it is impossible to discuss the project without highlighting the role of the Ministry of Education and its interest in students, knowledge, and talent discovery, extending his gratitude to Minister of Education Jallal Al-Tabtabaee for his attention, direct guidance, and commitment to providing students with a genuine space to showcase their potential. He also thanked the Ministry of Information as a key partner in the media and artistic aspects, specifically acknowledging Assistant Undersecretary for the Television and Radio Sector Turki Al-Mutairi for his guidance, support, and trust in the team, a trust that burdened the team with greater responsibility to deliver a production befitting Kuwait Television.

He also pointed to the role of VO Company in “Ma’a Al-Tullab” as an extension of a vision that believes in Kuwaiti youth, expressing his gratitude to the company’s Board of Chairwoman, Sheikha Ahood Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, for her support and commitment to projects that serve youth and highlight their capabilities.

Regarding Al-Nahar’s question about innovations in concept and direction, Al-Wais clarified that the challenge was: “How do we preserve the spirit of a program that is over half a century old, while simultaneously presenting it in a manner that belongs to 2026?” He added: “I ensured that the development was not merely a change in set design, but a genuine evolution in directing language and technologies. We introduced technical techniques used for the first time in Kuwait, including the development of custom software designed specifically for the program, which links content, competitions, and visual elements within the studio, granting us greater flexibility in managing episodes in a more interactive manner.”

He revealed new additions, most notably a special electronic voting system for student viewers, making the student an active part of the event rather than just a spectator. He also mentioned the development of a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) room that monitors competition proceedings in a modern manner relying on artificial intelligence, seven mentors from the Ministry of Education, each specializing in a scientific subject, and the presence of large, dynamic screens within the studio that are not merely backdrops but directing elements that move and interact with the episode’s proceedings. He also highlighted the development of the visual identity, lighting, camera movement, and editing rhythm.

He affirmed: “We did not use all these technologies for showmanship; rather, we placed technology at the service of the concept and at the service of the student himself.”

Regarding the toughest challenges, he said: “Introducing the culture of mass audience programs and ‘Live to Tape’ in Kuwait and executing them to the highest standards that keep pace with global programs is not an easy task. When we talk about a program of the magnitude of ‘Ma’a Al-Tullab,’ it is not enough to say we developed it; the viewer must see and feel this development from the very first moment. The development must respect history without erasing identity.” He added: “This is a message that Kuwait is always capable of being a pioneer in television content production.”

Regarding his projects outside of “Ma’a Al-Tullab,” Al-Wais revealed to Al-Nahar that a new television program is currently in preparation and will be implemented before Ramadan, God willing.

He concluded: “Thank you to ‘Ma’a Al-Tullab,’ which confirmed to me that this generation deserves to be highlighted and for its voice to be heard. And this is always Kuwait: it creates ideas, embraces talent, keeps pace with development, and paves the way for future generations.”