Sharjah Heritage Days spotlights Kuwait’s diwaniya in UNESCO heritage discussion
Sharjah-10/2/2026
Sharjah Heritage Days has turned the spotlight on Kuwait’s diwaniya, examining its cultural significance and pathways for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List during a specialised seminar held as part of the festival’s 23rd edition.
The seminar was organised by the Arab Heritage Centre at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, on the sidelines of Sharjah Heritage Days, and explored the diwaniya as a shared social practice that reflects the identity, values and collective memory of Kuwaiti society.
Cultural heritage researcher AlAnoud Nasser Al-Khamis told the audience that the diwaniya has long served as the backbone of social and political life in Kuwait, functioning as an open space for dialogue, consensus-building and community engagement. She noted that historically, prominent families hosted diwaniyas that later evolved into influential public forums, including specialised gatherings for parliamentary candidates, where gaining the support of a particular diwaniya could significantly affect electoral outcomes.
Al-Khamis also highlighted the structured etiquette observed in many diwaniyas, with established protocols governing reception, greetings and seating arrangements. She explained that her field research involved visits to numerous diwaniyas across Kuwait’s governorates, documenting their roles in social occasions such as weddings and formal receptions.
The seminar further addressed efforts to safeguard the tradition, with Al-Khamis pointing to initiatives by the Kuwaiti Diwaniyas Union, which organises cultural activities including traditional games such as gargeean and dama, alongside workshops for children aimed at teaching diwaniya etiquette and social values.
Reflecting on the historical role of the diwaniya, she recalled how several diwaniyas became centres of community support during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, facilitating the distribution of food, coordinating aid and strengthening social solidarity. A documentary film screened during the session showcased the various types of diwaniyas and their evolving roles in Kuwaiti society.
Concluding the seminar, Al-Khamis said the diwaniya heritage file is among the strongest prepared in Kuwait, expressing confidence in its prospects for inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List