On the evening of the 21st of February 2024, the first ever Kuwait UK Alumni Dinner brought together over 70 Kuwaiti military and security personnel who have completed command and staff training in the UK. The aim, to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the Kuwaiti alumni, and the dinner served as an excellent launch event. It also coincides with a series of other events and activities planned throughout this year to celebrate 125 years of official diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait and the signing of the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement in 1899.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner accompanied by lively conversation and anecdotes as they reflected on the invaluable skills and knowledge gained through their training at some of the world’s most prestigious military academies and colleges. The dinner started with a warm welcome from the UK Defence Attaché, Colonel Bruce Weston, who emphasised the significance of continued collaboration and exchange between the UK and Kuwaiti military and security personnel.
The Kuwaiti alumni were from: The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) and the single Service officer academies; Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth (BRNC), The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and The Royal Air Force College, Cranwell.
Formal proceedings began once the esteemed guests arrived, welcomed to the table by a Royal Regiment of Scotland piper.
Keynote speeches from distinguished alumni and representatives from both nations underscored the importance of bilateral relations and the enduring impact of cross-cultural education and training.
His Majesty’s Ambassador, Mrs. Belinda Lewis, spoke of the continued close co-operation between the two countries across all sectors of government to help tackle regional and global challenges, and to defend and promote shared common values.
As the Kuwait MOD’s senior representative, Chief of Military Education, Major General Fahad Al-Tuariji also re-enforced the close military and historical ties the UK and Kuwait share with each other.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a certificate to 2Lt Jabar Al-Sabar, the Amir’s grandson, who had won the International Sword of Honour in 2023, awarded to the best international cadet to commission from RMAS. He was presented with the sword by HM King Charles III at the April 2023 commissioning parade. The UK’s Defence Senior Advisor Middle East, Air Marshal Martin Sampson, presented 2Lt Jabar Al-Sabar with a certificate in recognition of this achievement and also highlighted many of the younger generation of Kuwaiti officers who are achieving significant results at our officer academies. Including Lt Saad and Lt Saleh, the first two Kuwait National Guard to commission from RMAS.
Throughout the evening participants shared personal insights and success stories, illustrating the profound influence of their UK military education on their professional and career development.
These UK military academies and colleges have collectively trained over 600 Kuwaiti military personnel between 1952 and today. The first was Sheik Mubarak Abdullah Jaber Al-Sabah who attended RMAS in 1952. The Kuwaiti Officer Cadet currently at RMAS is the 98th Kuwaiti to attend the course. Over 365 Kuwaiti Naval Force Officers have attended BRNC – by far the largest UK alumni contingent. A very small number of the guests had attended more than one of these institutions. Air Marshal Sampson laid down the challenge of wanting to see a Kuwaiti officer complete the grand slam of a Kuwaiti Officer completing an officer academy, ACSC and RCDS. Everyone agreed this achievement will not be far off.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and mutual respect as attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to re-connect with fellow alumni and strengthen ties with the UK military community. This partnership not only strengthens the security landscape in the Arabian Gulf but also contributes to broader international security efforts.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a renewed sense of optimism and anticipation for future collaborations and exchanges, ensuring that the bonds forged at this inaugural UK-Kuwait Alumni Dinner becomes a permanent annual fixture.
The Defence Academy are inviting alumni of RCDS, Higher Command and Staff Course and Advanced Command and Staff Course to join our new alumni network, Summit.