The Seventh Gulf University Theater Festival Honors Kuwaiti Artist Saad Al-Faraj in the Sultanate of Oman
(KUNA) – The Seventh Theater Festival for Universities and Higher Education Institutions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries honored Kuwaiti artist Saad Al-Faraj and Omani artist Fakheria Al-Khamisi on Wednesday, marking the launch of its activities in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman.
The artists received this recognition in the presence of Omani Minister of Labor, Dr. Mohad Baawain, in appreciation of their artistic contributions and their role in enriching the Gulf theatrical and dramatic landscape, as well as the works they have presented over decades that have cemented their presence in the memory of Gulf and Arab audiences.
In his opening speech at the festival, Dr. Saeed Al-Rabiei, President of the Applied Technology and Science University—the organizing body of the festival—stated that “human culture, awareness, and creativity represent the beating heart of continued solidarity among GCC countries and societies, as they open spaces for mutual understanding and provide younger generations with the opportunity to see the ‘other’ as an extension of themselves, making diversity a source of enrichment and continuity.”
Al-Rabiei added that successful modern universities bet on preparing human resources who, alongside intellectual development, possess the ability to work in teams, assume responsibility, express themselves, listen, and engage in dialogue—“values that are practically and vividly embodied in university theater.”
He emphasized that the university’s hosting of the festival represents a cultural and youth event and an opportunity to strengthen communication bridges between Gulf universities and higher education institutions, contribute to enriching university theater, and highlight the talents, creativity, and experiences abundant in GCC countries.
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Al-Shahri, Assistant President of the Salalah University and Chairman of the Festival’s Supervisory Committee, said that the university’s hosting of the festival reflects its commitment to supporting youth creativity and enhancing cultural cooperation among students from GCC countries.
Al-Shahri added that the festival serves as a Gulf platform for discovering and refining young theatrical talents, showcasing students’ creative energies, and reinforcing values of dialogue, communication, and understanding among the youth of the Council countries through performances and accompanying cultural and artistic activities.
The Omani Applied Technology and Science University, under the supervision of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, is organizing the festival, which runs until September 29 under the slogan “Our Heritage Unites Us, Theater Brings Us Together.” It features theater troupes representing universities and higher education institutions in GCC countries, along with a number of academics, theater enthusiasts, and prominent figures from the Gulf art and theater scene.
The festival includes five theatrical performances: “Poet on the Moon” by Kuwait University; “A Life from Paper” by the Applied Technology and Science University of Oman; “The Manager is the Manager” by Imam Muhammad bin Saud University from Saudi Arabia; “Face to Face” by King Khalid University from Saudi Arabia; and “Al-Halik” by King Saud University from Saudi Arabia. Each performance will be followed by a specialized critical session.
The festival program also includes an intellectual dialogue session on the role of theater in building personality, enhancing identity and values among youth, and its role in shaping individuals and society and creating the future. This session will feature a distinguished group of artists, academics, and specialists in Gulf theater affairs.
The program further includes training workshops, critical sessions, and dialogue meetings, alongside participation by several artists and theater practitioners in presenting “Theater Messages,” which address the role of theater in consolidating awareness, enhancing identity, fostering creativity, and generating social impact.
The jury panel for the theatrical performances, chaired by Dr. Abdul Karim Jawad from the Sultanate of Oman, comprises a distinguished group of theater practitioners and academics from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Qatari artist Ghanem Al-Sulaiti, Kuwaiti academic Dr. Ibtisam Al-Humaidi, Saudi theater artist Abbas Al-Hayek, and Bahraini theater artist Khaled Al-Ruwaili.
