Kuwait Towers Recognized as part of Arab Heritage List
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . July 31, 2025
- . Update: August 1, 2025 1:04 am
Kuwait Towers have been recognized by the Arab Heritage List as part of modern architecture. The announcement was made during the conclusion of the 9th regional forum of the Arab Observatory for Architectural and Urban Heritage held in Beirut. The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) of Kuwait submitted the towers as a significant cultural landmark of national importance. Engineer Mahmoud Al-Rubaie from NCCAL’s historic building restoration unit represented Kuwait with pride. Al-Rubaie explained that the towers were built to supply water to a growing city; however, the spectacular and creative design transformed them into a national icon. “They demonstrate that infrastructures can also be an art work,” he continued. “The towers exemplify futuristic vision and they are now forever linked to Kuwait’s modern-day image.” This year the Kuwait Towers were one of 19 entries to the heritage list. While the remaining list entries were mostly disused traditional stone buildings, these towers underscored a modern and different structure. The submission was prepared in cooperation with NCCAL colleagues Dalal Alnoumas, Zahraa Ali Baba, and supervised by Secretary-General Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar.
Mohammad Abu Saadi, who leads the review committee for the Arab Heritage List, said the towers were highlighted because of their design, use, and national identity. “It started as water towers, and became a symbol of Kuwait,” he said. The Arab Observatory operates under ALECSO, part of the Arab League, to preserve significant architectural sites across the region.
