Kuwait

Inscribed in 2025 (20.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Diwaniya is a space where men of all ages and backgrounds come together to talk, connect and share ideas. It can take place in a home, a public space, or even a tent, and serves as a key setting for family members, neighbours and friends to discuss topics such as family matters, community issues, politics and current events. While the gatherings can be small, they often grow larger during special occasions such as Ramadan, weddings, funerals or election campaigns.

Young men learn how to participate in Diwaniyas by observing how conversations are held, how guests are welcomed and how respect is shown to elders. Over time, they learn the unspoken rules, such as appropriate greetings, seating arrangements and conversation topics. Some Diwaniyas are formal, with traditional clothing and customs, while others are informal and may include games and entertainment. There are also specialized Diwaniyas where people from similar professions gather to share their experiences. Although they are traditionally male-centred, women have increasingly created their own Diwaniyas, establishing new spaces for dialogue and leadership. A strong symbol of social life and connection, the Diwaniya plays an important role in passing down the community’s values, customs and knowledge to younger generations.