Kuwait Sets Guinness World Record with Spectacular Fireworks Display
Report & Pics by Wilson & Priya Saldanha
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Nov 11: To mark 50 years of Kuwait’s constitution, a spectacular firework display worth US dollars 15 million (KD 4.163) was displayed at 4.5 km coastal area between Kuwait Towers and Green Islands.
Kuwait fired 77,282 fireworks and entered the Guinness World Records as the biggest firework show in the world. KUNA Carim Valario, a representative of Guinness World Records confirmed the record and handed over the certificate to Undersecretary of the Amiri Diwan Abdulaziz Ishaq during the event. He said, "I am happy to verify that 77,282 fireworks, a new Gunness world record has been set tonight."
Thousands of citizens and expatriates had a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the coastal end of Arabian Gulf road where the one hour show was organized, which included fireworks, laser show, kites and tableaux at sea.
On Nov 11, 1962, the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al- Sabah promulgated the constitution for Kuwait to become the first Arab state in the Gulf to issue a constitution and have a parliament. Ahead of the celebration, Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah reiterated in a televised speech the government’s unwavering commitment to democracy and called for national unity as the state goes through a bitter political crisis.
Incidentally this event coincided with India’s festival of lights Diwali week, and hence for Indians in Kuwait, it was a double bonanza. The show started at around 8.10 pm with a countdown from 1 to 50 on huge screens installed on the coastal side. The fireworks lasted for about 64 minutes, creating a history by entering Guinness World Record.
Large crowds celebrated the occasion with Kuwaiti flags and Amir’s photo in hand and costumes of national colours showing their love towards country and it’s Ruler. The cheer of the excited crowd over took the sound of crackers as a response to the mesmerizing show. The fly-past from French aircraft and kites with fire crackers in it were impressive. Over 25 different companies and organizations were involved in the planning of the events. More than 1,000 Kuwaiti volunteers served the refreshments and provided necessary information. Police, military, ambulance and fire departments were alert at the location for any emergencies.
It was an memorable experience for those who witnessed the event and a regret for those who missed the show. Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has issued a decree giving schools and universities a public holiday on Sunday November 11 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Kuwaiti constitution. It is notable that the date of celebration reads in sequence 10-11-12.