Kuwait Times celebrated its 65th anniversary on September 24, 2026, marking over six decades of journalistic service highlighting Kuwait’s development and role on the international stage. The milestone was commemorated with an open house event at the newspaper’s headquarters, where members of the editorial team and foreign diplomats reflected on the publication’s impact and its evolving presence in the media landscape.
BNK Holding Founder Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi emphasized the newspaper’s significance in documenting Kuwait’s story, calling the anniversary a source of national pride. He acknowledged the transformation Kuwait Times has undergone, noting the infusion of creativity and new energy from its younger journalists. Editor-in-Chief Dr. M Ziad Al-Alyan expressed commitment to continuing the legacy established by his late father, founder Yousuf Al-Alyan, in 1961, stressing the newspaper’s efforts to adapt to rapid technological changes by embracing digital platforms while maintaining its print edition.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief Abdullah Boftain framed Kuwait Times as more than a newspaper, describing it as a vital link between Kuwait and the global community, particularly English-speaking audiences. He highlighted the institution's ongoing professional mission amid media sector shifts and its development into a creative hub. Fellow Deputy Editor-in-Chief Jana Alnaqeeb and Managing Editor Shakir Reshamwala echoed the pride held by the newspaper’s staff in documenting Kuwait’s progress with integrity over the decades.
The anniversary also garnered praise from a wide range of foreign ambassadors and diplomats, who acknowledged Kuwait Times’ role in bridging cultures and providing reliable news to both local and international readers. British Ambassador Qudsi Rasheed noted the newspaper’s original mission to communicate Kuwait’s story to the English-speaking world, a role it has fulfilled consistently. European Union Ambassador Anne Koistinen expressed her continued support as a subscriber, complimenting its comprehensive coverage of regional and international affairs.
Representatives from Canada, Japan, Spain, Mexico, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Greece, Thailand, India, and Turkey also offered remarks. Canadian Ambassador Tara Scheurwater recognized Kuwait Times as part of the history it documents, while Japanese Ambassador Mukai Kenichiro tied the anniversary to 65 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kuwait. Spanish Ambassador Manuel Hernández Gamallo and Mexican Ambassador Eduardo Patricio Peña Haller shared the newspaper’s importance in their daily routines, with Peña Haller highlighting challenges in appealing to younger readers amid digital competition.
Other diplomats offered constructive feedback and commendations. Czech Ambassador Juraj Chmiel encouraged broader European Union coverage, while South African Ambassador Raymond Michael Medhurst praised the paper’s international reporting quality. Greek Ambassador Ioannis Plotas underscored its value for diplomats seeking firsthand information, and Royal Thai Embassy Second Secretary Dhanaphatra Chuenarom praised the newspaper’s modern digital presence on social media. Indian Embassy First Secretary Chandrakanta Rathore congratulated the team amid a changing journalism landscape, and Turkish Embassy Education Counselor Dr. Ravza Altuntas recognized Kuwait Times’ dual role in connecting Kuwait with both the international community and non-Arabic speakers.
Together, these views reflect the newspaper’s enduring relevance as it celebrates a significant chapter in its history and looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities in media and reporting.