A cultural event blending classic French music with traditional Arab melodies recently took place in Kuwait City, offering a distinctive fusion of French and Arab heritage within the setting of a traditional Kuwaiti diwaniya. The Lebanese Embassy in Kuwait hosted the event on October 27, as part of the broader Francophonie Month celebrations, in partnership with the French Institute in Kuwait and the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie.

Lebanese Ambassador to Kuwait Gadi Khoury highlighted the suitability of the diwaniya—a customary social gathering place in Kuwaiti society—as a venue for promoting cultural exchange and the French language in a way that connects with the local community. The program aimed to merge the social and leisure atmosphere of the diwaniya with musical performances featuring classic French songs accompanied by the oud, a traditional Arab string instrument. Khoury also noted a growing interest in French language learning within Kuwait, despite the predominance of English, as many families appreciate the intellectual and cultural value French offers.

French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin reflected on the successful visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Kuwait, underscoring the signing of eight bilateral agreements during talks described as warm and productive. Macron’s choice of Kuwait as the first Gulf stop on his regional tour—accompanied by three ministers and a high-level delegation—was cited as a testament to the strong ties between the two countries.

Gauvin emphasized Lebanon’s prominent role within the French-speaking world and its historical connection to the French language. He described the event as an opportunity to showcase the unique blend of Lebanese and Kuwaiti cultural identities within the broader Francophone community. He acknowledged that ongoing regional challenges had delayed several Francophone activities earlier in the year, but noted that the program had gained renewed momentum during the second half, including football matches, concerts, art exhibitions, poetry contests, and literary events.

Encouraging participation in French language learning, Gauvin advised those interested to engage with French culture by listening to music, watching films, and enrolling in courses offered by the French Institute in Kuwait.