What’s On

An evening celebrating the Khaleeji music and the authenticity of its melodies, offering audiences the chance to enjoy Musaed Al-Balushi’s singing and oud playing.

 For the second consecutive year, the Recital Hall hosts “Dandana”, an evening distinguished by an atmosphere that is both relaxed and refined, bringing its featured singer closer to the audience in a warm musical encounter that captures the spirit of Khaleeji music. Following the success of its first concert, “Dandana” returns on 3 November with Kuwaiti artist Musaed Al-Balushi, taking audiences on a musical journey through a selection of favourite Khaleeji songs and melodies.

Al-Balushi will perform a selection of songs that have long resonated with audiences, accompanied by his oud, which gives the evening its distinctive, authentic character. Away from the scale and spectacle of large concerts, “Dandana” creates a closer connection between artist and audience, and between voice, melody and lyrics, offering a special opportunity to enjoy Al-Balushi’s singing and musicianship.

The annual date with one of Arabic music’s most distinguished voices, featuring a new selection of her own songs and timeless Arabic classics.

Mai Farouk’s concerts at the National Theatre have become an annual tradition for Kuwaiti audiences, with the star appearing in every one of its cultural seasons since the opening of the Centre. On 5 November, she returns to the National Theatre, presenting a new selection of Arabic classics with her powerful voice and remarkable talent. With her distinctive style, Mai breathes new life into songs that have faded from memory over time.

Her concerts also feature her own songs, eagerly awaited by her fans, particularly those from her latest album, “Tareekhi” (My History), alongside her celebrated “Ya Shams Ya Mnawara” (O Shiny Sun) and her latest single, “Habayebna” (Our Loved Ones), which was recently released and has enjoyed great success across digital platforms.

An evening with the renowned Bahraini band Al Ekhwa, joined by Bahraini singer Abdullah Al-Qattan.

We begin the Amphitheatre concerts on Friday, 6 November, with a special evening featuring Bahraini Band Al Ekhwa, one of the Gulf’s most celebrated and popular music groups. Following the passing of its founder and leader, Ali Bahar, and other members, the band has continued its musical journey in recent years with a renewed line-up and a contemporary spirit, led by founding member Wajeeh Hassan. While preserving its distinctive musical identity and artistic legacy, Al Ekhwa Band has returned to the stage, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from audiences.

In their upcoming concert at the Amphitheatre, Al Ekhwa Band will revisit some of their best-loved songs, which remain firmly rooted in their fans’ memories, including “Ana Wel Leil Wel Gamra”( Me, the Night and the Moon), “Marrait Ala Babkom” (I Passed by Your Door), “Al Barha” (Last Night), “Aataref” (I Confess), “Yemken Tensouny”(You May Forget Me), a “Mishtaq” (Longing) and “Ya Sahbi” (My Friend). Bahraini singer Abdullah Al-Qattan will join the band for this special evening, adding his distinctive presence to a night celebrating Al Ekhwa’s enduring legacy and long-standing career, while bringing together cherished memories and the spirit of today.

The Ballet School resumes its classes in November, taking place on Saturdays only, with American instructor Shelby Archbell.

Following a break during the summer holiday, the Ballet School resumes its classes from 7 to 28 November. The school welcomes girls from the age of four and up, with classes held from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Saturdays only.

Classes are led by American instructor Shelby Archbell, who has 20 years of experience in dance and training. The programme includes a beginner’s class for young girls aged 4-6, a class for girls aged 7-9 and a classical ballet class, for students aged 10 years and above.

For registration and more information, please visit JACC website or mobile app.

The new term of the Music School begins on 7 November, with classes every Saturday and Wednesday.

The new term of the Music School begins on 7 November and runs until 2 December, with classes every Saturday and Wednesday. The School welcomes participants aged 14 and above and offers both individual and group classes under the guidance of a distinguished team of academic specialists in a wide range of Eastern and Western instruments, in addition to Arabic and operatic singing. The School also offers intensive courses in selected instruments.

The course consists of eight 50-minute training sessions and includes eight solfège classes (music notation reading), held at 6:00 PM for all students, except those enrolled in Arabic singing and guitar. The programme also includes a lecture on music culture and history.

For registration and more information, please visit JACC website or mobile app.

The School returns in November with instructor Hanaa Issa, offering classes in the fundamentals of traditional Khaleeji movement and performance.

The School of Kuwaiti Traditional Performance resumes its classes this November, from 7 to 28 November, with instructor Hanaa Issa. The course explores a diverse range of Kuwaiti traditional performance forms, including Samri, Qadri, Ashouri, Basta, Muthallath and Marbou’, as well as the rumba rhythm. Classes take place every Saturday from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM and are open to ladies aged 20 and above, at all levels.

Throughout the classes, participants will learn the fundamental rhythms and movements associated with each form and explore their distinctive characteristics. The course also develops movement expression and rhythmic awareness while encouraging interaction and harmony within the group.

The school provides a fully private training environment, ensuring the comfort and privacy of all participants. For registration and more information, please visit JACC website or mobile app.

The Paraguayan harp virtuoso, known for his performances with renowned Greek composer Yanni, makes his Kuwait debut.

On Saturday, 7 November, the Amphitheatre welcomes internationally acclaimed harpist and singer Víctor Espínola for his first performance in Kuwait, in an evening of music to be enjoyed in the refreshing autumn weather. The concert rounds off a weekend filled with contrasting sounds and musical styles, beginning on Friday evening with Bahraini group Al Ekhwa Band.

Espínola became known to audiences around the world through his performances with renowned Greek composer Yanni on several of his tours. His international career has taken him to stages in more than 70 countries, including Egypt, where he performed at the Pyramids. For his upcoming concert, the harp takes centre stage, with Espínola joined by eight other musicians in a creative musical experience where Paraguayan traditions meet a contemporary global vision.

The fifth edition of Oud Fashion Talks is coming in November, bringing together international fashion leaders, designers, entrepreneurs and industry experts.

The Cinema Hall hosts the fifth edition of Oud Fashion Talks on 20 and 21 November, bringing together international fashion leaders, designers, entrepreneurs and industry experts for two days of discussions, workshops and exhibitions focused on the region’s evolving fashion industry.

Through panel discussions, educational workshops and a curated designer exhibition, the event explores key topics including entrepreneurship, business development, sustainability, innovation and the role of culture in economic growth. With a focus on providing emerging and established regional talent with access to industry knowledge, global networks and commercial opportunities, Oud Fashion Talks aims to bridge the gap between creativity and business, while supporting the development of a more connected and competitive regional fashion ecosystem.

The musical journey with Michel Fadel returns in a new experience, bringing Arabic and Khaleeji classics in captivating new arrangements.

 Following the great success of renowned Lebanese pianist and composer Michel Fadel’s concert last November, and in response to audience demand, he returns with the second edition of his successful concert, “A Musical Journey with Michel Fadel – VOL. 2”, on Friday, 27 November at the National Theatre. Once again, Fadel takes audiences on a distinctive musical journey through Arabic and Khaleeji classics, reimagined in his own arrangements.

Last season, Fadel moved seamlessly across different musical styles and eras, from the timeless classics of Umm Kulthum, Sabah and Warda to Khaleeji favourites by Mohammed Abdu and Abu Bakr Salem, alongside songs by Fairuz, Melhem Barakat and others. Joined by international artists and Al-Mass Folklore Group, the concert offered a fresh take on some of the Arab world’s best-loved music. For VOL. 2, the journey continues with Michel Fadel, bringing new arrangements and more surprises to the Kuwaiti audience.

The musical that achieved great success in Cairo comes to Kuwait for one night only this December.

Following its great success on one of Cairo’s largest stages at the City of Arts and Culture in the New Administrative Capital, and at Jerash Theatre in Jordan the National Theatre welcomes the musical “Umm Kulthum..Enchanted by the Voice of the Lady” on 4 December for one night only, marking the first stop of its Gulf tour, which begins in Kuwait.

The production tells the story of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum in a large-scale production combining dramatic performance, live music, period costumes and contemporary scenography. Singer Asmaa Al-Gamal shines in the role of Umm Kulthum, alongside a large cast of actors in a production that evokes the magic of her voice and remarkable stage presence offering audiences an unforgettable experience.

A production that brings treasures from Kuwait’s cultural memory back to the stage, in a contemporary vision conducted by Dr Ayoub Khoder and directed by Mohammed Al-Rabah.

On 10 December, the National Theatre welcomes “The Kuwaiti Orchestra – Ahla Al-Sawalif”, taking audiences on a captivating journey through treasures of Kuwait’s artistic heritage that have been absent from the stage for more than fifty years. This major national production brings together music, song, drama and dance through a contemporary theatrical vision.

The production features a diverse selection of monologues, television and stage operettas, patriotic and traditional works, alongside classics of Kuwaiti song. Presented in new orchestral arrangements, the music unfolds in a series of vivid scenes inspired by everyday life in old Kuwait, with its contrasting moments and rich cultural meanings. More than 80 musicians and performers, including leading Kuwaiti artists, take part in the production, conducted by Maestro Dr Ayoub Kheder, with stage direction by Mohamed Al-Rabah.

Canadian singer-songwriter Margaux Sauvé brings her musical project to Kuwait for the first time.

Canadian singer-songwriter Margaux Sauvé brings her musical project “Ghostly Kisses” to Kuwait for the first time on 10 December, performing at the Amphitheatre. Known for her soft, distinctive vocals and atmospheric sound, Sauvé creates music that moves between dream pop, electronic textures and intimate melodies, shaped by deeply personal songwriting.

Raised in a family of musicians, Sauvé began playing the violin at the age of five before turning to songwriting while studying psychology at university in Quebec City. Working closely with producer and co-writer Louis-Étienne Santais, she has since built an international following through releases including “The City Holds My Heart”, “Heaven, Wait” and her 2024 album “Darkroom”.

In her live performances, Sauvé’s delicate vocals are accompanied by layers of synths, strings and piano, creating the intimate and atmospheric sound that has come to define “Ghostly Kisses”. The name was inspired by a line from a William Faulkner poem, which Sauvé felt captured the romantic and otherworldly character of her voice.

For the second year in a row, Egyptian musician Saad Al-Oud and his band return with a lively selection of Egyptian and Khaleeji favourites.

For the second year in a row, Egyptian musician Saad Al-Oud and his band return to the Amphitheatre on 17 December for a relaxed evening of music, featuring a varied selection of Egyptian and Khaleeji songs.

Saad Al-Oud’s concerts have the warm, informal spirit of traditional Khaleeji jalsat (musical gatherings), with a natural interaction between the singer and the audience, who sing along and enjoy the performance of the Egyptian musician and his band. Each time, Saad Al-Oud brings a new selection of songs, weaving them into rich medleys that bring together some of the best-known Egyptian and Khaleeji favourites.

A warm musical gathering with much-loved Kuwaiti singer Abdulaziz Al-Dhuwaihi.

As the first half of our season draws to a close, acclaimed Kuwaiti singer Abdulaziz Al-Dhuwaihi takes the stage at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ali Concert Hall on 18 December for “Ya Summar”, a warm musical gathering (Jalsa) featuring a selection of his songs alongside some of the most beautiful Khaleeji favourites, accompanied by a live musical ensemble. Evoking the warmth and charm of traditional Khaleeji musical gatherings, the evening leaves room for audience interaction and song requests, as well as spontaneous moments that unfold naturally throughout the performance, making the “jalsa” a distinctive musical experience.