Al Wasl Club Celebrates UAE-Kuwait Brotherhood at Youth Match

UAE and Kuwait Celebrate Decades of Brotherhood

The United Arab Emirates is currently engaged in a week-long celebration of its longstanding fraternal relationship with the State of Kuwait, an initiative launched under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The celebration, which began on January 29th, 2026, aims to highlight the deep historical, humanitarian, and cultural bonds between the two nations.

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) is at the forefront of the celebrations, implementing symbolic initiatives at Dubai’s airports. Arriving passengers are now receiving a special passport stamp bearing the campaign slogan, “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever.” Arrival halls have been decorated in the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, and a dedicated arrival lane has been established, featuring campaign signage and images of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.

The arrival experience is further enhanced with symbolic gifts and greetings from the national mascots, Salem and Salama, intended to embody Gulf unity and shared identity. According to GDRFA Dubai, these efforts are designed to enhance human connection and commemorate the decades of strong ties between the UAE and Kuwait.

In addition to the airport initiatives, GDRFA Dubai organized Souq Al-Mubarakiya at Al Khawaneej Walk from January 29th to February 1st, 2026, featuring participation from several Kuwaiti retail outlets. This event provided a platform to showcase Kuwaiti commerce and culture within the UAE.

The celebration extends beyond Dubai. Sharjah Airport also welcomed Kuwaiti travellers with a special week-long celebration, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to honoring the relationship. Landmarks across the UAE have been illuminated in the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, and fireworks, drone displays, and marine parades have been staged as part of the festivities.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed emphasized the significance of the relationship, stating, according to a report from the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on November 21, 2025, “Our relations with Kuwait are relations of brotherhood, love, and kinship. Kuwait has been a support before and after our union, offering help and solidarity, and their support continues to this day with sincerity.” He urged all UAE institutions to actively participate in marking the occasion, adding, “Celebrating Kuwait, its leadership, and its generous people is our duty.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, echoed these sentiments, describing the relationship as “a brotherhood that time cannot change, and a love that only grows stronger with each passing day.” He directed all federal authorities to implement the President’s directives and demonstrate the depth of affection between the two nations.

The initiative also extends to the media landscape, with a UAE-Kuwait Media Celebration highlighting the strong fraternal and media ties between the two countries, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The celebration includes star concerts featuring prominent artists such as Ahlam and Hussain Al Jassmi.

Even at the grassroots level, the bond between the two nations is being recognized. Al-Wasl Club celebrated the occasion by raising a banner during a match between Al-Wasl and Al-Jazeera for the under-19 age group on Saturday at the club’s stadium in Zabeel, demonstrating a commitment to acknowledging the relationship at all levels of society.