Kuwait Times marked its 65th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing the newspaper’s history, present innovations, and future plans. The event, held on Thursday, offered visitors a retrospective experience spanning different eras of the publication, highlighting its evolution and ongoing relevance.

Longtime reader Nita Bhatkar described the exhibition as a nostalgic journey, recalling her childhood connection to the newspaper. “My dad had this thing that you have to read the newspaper every day,” she said, noting how Kuwait Times was a regular fixture in her household. She particularly appreciated the section featuring past editions, including the weekend magazine Junior Times and its pen pal section, which allowed readers to engage through correspondence. While Bhatkar acknowledged the appeal of digital elements in the exhibition, she said the historical displays resonated most strongly with her.

Younger attendees such as Raghda Rustom were initially uncertain about the exhibition’s tone but found it to be more inviting and diverse than expected. “You can see ambassadors, but there’s also children, there’s families, there’s artists,” she remarked, highlighting the varied audience. Rustom was drawn to the present-day section, which showcased the newspaper’s shift toward a more youthful and interactive approach. She pointed to the use of video reels and digital installations as part of this transformation, praising the balance between a lighthearted delivery and comprehensive news coverage.

The exhibition also featured interactive opportunities beyond visual displays. Visitors could purchase branded merchandise and use disposable cameras provided at the event, adding a tactile dimension to the experience.

For Abdulaziz Alsorayai, the future-oriented segment of the exhibition was particularly compelling. He viewed the involvement of younger staff and their engagement with social media as indicative of Kuwait Times’ adaptability. Screens outlining upcoming initiatives reflected ambitions that aim to keep pace with the changing media landscape.

Despite enthusiasm for digital progress, both Bhatkar and Alsorayai expressed a shared hope that Kuwait Times would maintain its print edition. Alsorayai emphasized the unique value of traditional newspapers, suggesting that while digital formats offer speed and flash, they do not replicate the tangible experience of ink on paper.

The exhibition underscored Kuwait Times’ legacy as a longstanding media institution that has evolved over six decades, balancing innovation with respect for its heritage as it looks ahead to the future.