Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (SHARJAH)
As the weeklong celebration marking the historic bonds between the UAE and Kuwait continues across the UAE, Kuwaiti students studying in the UAE have joined the initiative, emphasising that these festivities extend beyond official ceremonies. They reflect a living relationship shaped by shared values, culture and everyday human connections.
The "UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever" week runs until February 4, featuring diverse activities that highlight the deep-rooted ties between the two nations across multiple sectors.
For many Kuwaiti students studying in the UAE, the week offers a meaningful opportunity to express how deeply this bond is felt on a personal level – a true sense of being "home away from home."
Speaking to Aletihad, members of the Kuwaiti Cultural Club at the University of Sharjah, shared their perspectives on the significance of the occasion.
Fatema Al Enzi, a physiotherapy student at the University of Sharjah and President of the Club, said they invited the public to join their event celebrating UAE-Kuwait relations on February 1 at University City Hall in Sharjah.
"The role of young people in the events organised by the club is pivotal in conveying Kuwaiti culture and history," she said.
She added that students today represent "a generation proud of its Kuwaiti identity and committed to authentic values with a modern, youthful spirit," noting that such events also "build bridges of communication between students of different nationalities."
For students, the experience of studying in the UAE itself embodies this closeness.
Ghalya Malalalah, a clinical nutrition and dietetics student, described her time in the UAE as more than an academic journey.
"Studying in the UAE is a unique experience for Kuwaiti students, as it combines high-quality education with a comfortable and supportive environment," she said.
She noted that daily life teaches independence while reinforcing identity, adding: "We feel like we are among family and in our second home, which reflects the true meaning of brotherhood between the two sisterly nations."
This sense of belonging is echoed by Shahad Al Qabandi, a pharmacy student, who described the UAE as a place of shared belonging rather than temporary residence.
"We leave our homeland to live in a country that becomes our home and our belonging," she said.
"The relationship between the two countries illustrates the meaning of hearts uniting before flags," she said.
The Week also carries a message for future generations, according to Latifa Al-Dakhil, another clinical nutrition student.
"The brotherhood between Kuwait and the UAE is felt before it's spoken of, lived before it's written about," she said.
For Abdulrahman Al Namlan, a pharmacy student, the cultural programme strengthens bonds through everyday interaction.
"The Week brings us closer as Kuwaiti and Emirati youth because we share our culture and customs through events and meetings," he said.
