Kuwait Towers join Arab heritage list for modern architecture
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The iconic Kuwait Towers have been officially recognized as part of the Arab architectural heritage. The Arab Observatory for Architectural and Urban Heritage announced the inclusion on Wednesday during the closing ceremony of its 9th regional forum held in Beirut.
The towers were listed under the modern architecture category, distinguishing them from the predominantly ancient structures typically featured on the Arab Heritage List. Their inclusion came following a nomination by Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), which highlighted the towers as a cultural property of national significance.
Mahmoud Al-Rubaie, an engineer from NCCAL’s historic building restoration department who represented Kuwait at the forum, said the nomination was based on the towers’ dual legacy as a utilitarian and symbolic structure.
“The Kuwait Towers represent a unique human experience and a major national urban landmark”, he told KUNA.
“While designed to supply water to the growing city, they evolved into a cultural icon through their creative and futuristic design".
The Kuwait Towers were built during the country’s modernization drive and combine practical use with artistic design. hey serve as water reservoirs, a restaurant, and a viewing platform, making them a visual and cultural icon of Kuwait.
The Arab Observatory, which functions under the Arab League’s educational and cultural wing ALECSO, added 19 new sites to the list this year. Mohammad Abu Saadi, head of the review committee, said the Kuwait Towers met key selection criteria.
“This is a structure that began with a clear utility and transformed into a symbol and identity, a unique mark for Kuwait”, he said.
The submission effort was a collaborative one, with contributions from NCCAL staff members Dalal Alnoumas, Zahraa Ali Baba and oversight from Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar.
The Arab Heritage List aims to safeguard and celebrate architecturally significant sites across the region, from ancient ruins to innovative modernist landmarks.
