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Kuwaitis embrace Valentine's Day with gusto

Kuwaitis and expatriates were out shopping for their beloved ones on Wednesday night in various malls of the country.

  • Gulf News Report
  • Published: 00:30 February 15, 2008
  • Gulf News

Kuwait City: Kuwaitis and expatriates were out shopping for their beloved ones on Wednesday night in various malls of the country.

Decorations of red roses and heart shaped balloons filled the malls while gift boutiques seemed busy on Valentine's Day eve as restaurants promoted their special offers for the day despite threats from Islamists in the parliament banning any signs of what they called a "non-Muslim celebration".

Lina Al Ali told Gulf News: "Valentine's Day was never restricted to one faith or belief. It's an occasion seized to express love and appreciation for all those one loves, including friends and family."

Lina said as a student she had exchanged flowers, cards and gifts with friends and teachers. "Why should such a noble gesture be banned?"

'Baseless occasion'

The Parliamentary Committee for Combating Negative Phenomena declared on Wednesday its intention to present a draft law prohibiting non-Muslim celebrations, including Valentine's Day.

The head of the Committee, Islamist Dr Jamaan Al Harbash, told reporters on Valentine's Day eve that "ministries of Commerce and Interior will keep an eye for any signs of celebration on what is known as Valentine's Day. Shops and restaurants will be scrutinised to assure there are no offering of special products which promote the baseless occasion".

He said the committee is working on a draft bill to legitimise the work of both ministries in curbing "such alien celebrations".

Islamist MP Abdullah Akash described the celebration of Valentine's Day as a "farce", adding that the Kuwaiti society is subjected to a "westernising wave spearheaded by the liberal minority in the nation".

Urging the public to fight the influences, he said "freedom of choice doesn't mean the following of every heresy".

"This is a Muslim nation and thus we celebrate only two occasions. It is also acceptable to celebrate national occasions. Otherwise, the celebration of any other occasion should be banned," Akash said.

Liberal and Islamist parliamentarians are handling yet another controversy on the constitutionality and suitability of applying segregation between sexes in schools and universities.

Liberal MPs Ali Al Rashed, Mohammad Al Sagr and Faisal Al Shaye are currently fighting Segregation Law, which was passed in 1996.

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