ABU DHABI In celebration of humanity and humanitarian work, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi is organizing a musical and poetic show to highlight the depth and strength of brotherly ties between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait. Entitled the Sabah of Humanity, the opera show celebrates the awarding of the title of Humanitarian Leader to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait (My God protect him) by the United Nations. This prestigious honour has come in recognition of the Emirs serious efforts in the fields of relief, humanitarian and social work, and the designation of the State of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Centre.

The opera show stems from the authenticity of the historical ties that exist between the two brotherly countries and peoples. It comes also as an expression of the UAEs pride in the accomplishment that has been achieved by the Kuwait. The UAE remains keen on sharing happy occasions and celebrations with brothers, and standing with neighbours in good and bad times. The accomplishment achieved by the Kuwait amounts to an accomplishment achieved by all Arabs. The opera show, which will feature the cream of the crop of Emirati artists and poets, will be held on Saturday, the 27th of September at Al Raha Beach Theatre in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. A number of special performances of authentic Emirati folk arts will also be held. The title of the opera "Sabah of Humanity" also refers to the shining act of Sheikh Sabah on the humanitarian work worldwide.

The opera show is an appreciation tribute to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait (My God protect him) from the leaders and people of the UAE. We do believe that humanitarian action is here to remain for years to come. For this reason, we are pleased to celebrate the honouring of HH the Emir of Kuwait, a ruler of brotherly nation that holds a privileged position in the hearts of the leaders and people of the UAE, notably His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE (May God protect him). The relationship between the UAE and the State of Kuwait stands as a unique model of strong ties that are rooted in the conscience of the two brotherly nations as well as in their shared history, said His Excellency Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Adviser for Culture and Heritage in the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi.

The mutual relations between the UAE and the brotherly State of Kuwait have gone through several prominent stages which have contributed, in a straight line, to the consolidation and development of strong ties. On a bilateral level and throughout the history of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), joint work has served the interests of the two brotherly nations, he added.

The foundations of the formidable relationship between the two nations were laid by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May God bless his soul), and the late former rulers of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, and Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Over the years, the two countries have brightly succeeded in consolidating the brotherly ties between both the leaders and the peoples.

The UN honour bestowed upon HH the Emir of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Leader and the designation of the State of Kuwait as a Humanitarian Centre can be considered as an unprecedented move in the history of the international organization. In fact, this first-time initiative was launched with the aim of honouring HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian efforts on all levels. This honour has never been granted to anyone before and can be considered as a respectable tribute and a civilizational and historical recognition for the State of Kuwait and its leader, Mazrouei said.

HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah has always been a staunch advocate of justice, tolerance and peace and a wise voice of restraint and reason. He has actually laid the foundations for a new philosophy of diplomatic practice inspired by a spirit of responsibility, credibility and respect for human dignity and rights. He has made significant efforts toward the support of social action within the State of Kuwait. His generous contributions and donations have also reached many countries beyond the borders of his nation, as part of a wider global humanitarian endeavour. Concerned by several international and regional crises, HH Sheikh Sabah has been recently investigating humanitarian needs around the world and acting a symbol of generosity through his striking achievements.

We cannot talk about the achievements of the two brotherly nations without referring to their mutual history, and the pioneers who consolidated humanitarian and social actions in the UAE and the State of Kuwait. The humanitarian values have been actually passed on from forefathers to fathers and younger generations, Mazrouei said.

Mazrouei referred to the history of the humane and brotherly bonds that existed between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May God bless his soul), and the late Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah. He also reminded of the global efforts, remarkable achievements and the unique role of the late Sheikh Zayed in the Gulf region and the whole Arab-Islamic world.

Since the dawn of its blessed Renaissance under the rule of the Sage of Arabs and the Builder of Edifices the late Sheikh Zayed, the UAE has been a pioneer in humanitarian work. HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and Their Highnesses the leaders of the UAE remain determined to follow in the footsteps of the late founding father, Mazrouei added.

The UAE served as the first launch pad for the creation of the GCC, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed (May God bless his soul). In 1981, the first Gulf Summit was convened in Abu Dhabi. Short after, efforts to create a Gulf Union were made by leaders in the region so as to achieve the ambitions and aspirations of the brotherly peoples.

The bilateral ties between the UAE and the State of Kuwait are deep-seated and they owe their strength to social bonds that exist between the two peoples. These social bonds have produced different means of dialogue and facilitated the exchange of cultures and knowledge. With the advance of science and culture, the bilateral ties grew even closer. The inherited historical and humane relations outweigh by far the geopolitical conditions, giving different dimensions to a situation of an almost-full unity within the cohesive Gulf Region, Mazrouei said.