Celebrating Kuwait National Day at our international college

This year marks the 64th annual celebration of Kuwait National Day, which happens every year on 25 February.

Kuwaiti students from the University of Brighton International College (UBIC) celebrated with traditional food and music.

What is Kuwait National Day?

Observed annually on February 25, Kuwait National Day is one of the most significant celebrations in the Arab community.  

It commemorates the ascension of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah in 1950, whose leadership introduced key political and social reforms that laid the foundation for modern Kuwait. 

Kuwait National Day is also time for friends and family to connect, and serves as a reminder that there is strength in community, compassion and faith.   

Student celebrations at UBIC

UBIC students celebrated their national culture with a lunchtime gathering in the UBIC common room, which was decorated with Kuwaiti flags. Traditional music and food was arranged to bring a taste of Kuwait to Brighton.

Traditional food and drink included baklava, dates, Arabic coffee and tea, which was enjoyed by UBIC students and members of staff. 

Traditional food and drink supplied by Kuwaiti students

Students and staff enjoying Kuwait National Day celebrations

What do the celebrations mean to Kuwaiti students? 

Students shared why celebrating Kuwait National Day is so important to them.  

Medicine student Jana said: “It reminds us that we are not alone, that we are with our fellow classmates who are also Kuwaiti people. It brings us all together.”

Fellow medicine student Taiba said: “I think it’s really important, as it reminds us of what happened before. It’s a really nice celebration because people all around Kuwait celebrate the same thing.”

Abdulrahman shared what it’s like to celebrate in the UK: “Celebrating here makes me feel closer to home, it feels like your family are here with you when we can all get together. It is important to connect with home and it’s a great way to spend Kuwait National Day.”

The students were also keen to share what it’s like when celebrating back home in Kuwait.  

Taiba said: “Usually we would hold large family gatherings, the weather is usually really nice and we can celebrate with our colours in the street with everyone. There are decorations and flags everywhere, and back home we would use foam sprays – it’s a lot of fun.”

We hope our Kuwaiti students enjoyed their day.

احتفالات سعيدة للجميع 
(Happy celebrations everyone!)