Five Days in Kuwait: Memories of a Journey
Khayal Publishing and Translation House in Algeria has released a new book titled “Five Days in Kuwait: Travel Memories,” authored by researcher and academic Dr. Radwan bin Al-Ratami Shafou. The book is part of the publisher’s 2026 first-edition releases and offers a cultural and humanistic account documenting the details of a five-day scientific and cultural journey in the State of Kuwait. The author records his observations and impressions through a style that blends travel literature with cultural documentation, highlighting the most prominent landmarks, institutions, and events that enriched his experience.
The book covers diverse stops, including a visit to the mosque of the late Muhammad Abd al-Rahman Muhammad bin Bahar, an exploration of aspects of Kuwaiti folk heritage at the Frij Suwayeh restaurant specializing in traditional Kuwaiti cuisine, and attendance at the Kuwait International Book Fair. He also participated in meetings with intellectuals at the Cultural Café over several days, in addition to tours of the fair’s pavilions and numerous encounters with scholars and researchers.
Furthermore, the author documents scientific and cultural visits to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the Al-Bait Al-Maqdis Central Library for Arabic Poetry, and the Department of History and Archaeology at Kuwait University. He also delivered a scientific lecture as part of the fair’s cultural program and was featured as a guest on the television program “Cultural Horizons” on the Kuwait Cultural Channel.
The book dedicates chapters to social and cultural meetings, including a visit to the diwaniya of Mr. Naif Saniyah bin Sharar, and a tourist tour of several Kuwaiti landmarks. It also captures aspects of daily life in Kuwaiti society and concludes with a visit to the Kuwait Writers Association, reflecting the diversity of the cultural and literary landscape in the State of Kuwait.
This publication underscores the importance of travel literature as a bridge for civilizational dialogue among peoples. It goes beyond mere description of places, offering an informed reading of Kuwaiti culture and its scientific and literary institutions. It reflects the depth of Arab cultural ties and enriches the Arabic literary canon with a documentary work that combines literary narrative with scholarly insight.
“Five Days in Kuwait: Travel Memories” will be among the titles published by Khayal Publishing and Translation House, which will participate in the upcoming edition of the International Book Salon of Algiers (SIILA). This will provide readers, researchers, and enthusiasts of travel literature and Gulf culture with the opportunity to read and purchase the book during the fair, which is considered one of the most prominent cultural events in the Arab world.
