Jordan Kuwait Bank has announced the continuation of its strategic support as the official sponsor of the Heritage Award 2026 for the third consecutive year. The bank has supported the award since its inaugural edition in 2024, reflecting its strong commitment to investing in culture, empowering communities, and preserving cultural heritage.

This year’s Heritage Award ceremony was held at the historic Odeon Theatre in downtown Amman under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, President of the National Trust for Heritage Preservation (the Petra National Trust) and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage. The event was attended by H.E Dr. Emad Hijazeen, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, a representative of the European Union, and the Secretary General of Europa Nostra.

The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for the award, expanding its reach beyond Jordan to include innovative heritage projects and initiatives from Palestine and Syria. This year, Jordan Kuwait Bank is joined by Bank of Jerusalem in a strategic partnership that reflects the shared cultural and historical legacy of the region and underscores the role of culture and heritage as a unifying force that transcends borders and challenges.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Haethum Buttikhi, CEO of Jordan Kuwait Bank Group, said that the bank’s continued support of the Heritage Award reflects its belief that safeguarding cultural heritage is not solely the responsibility of cultural institutions, but a shared societal commitment that requires meaningful collaboration across sectors to preserve identity and strengthen its connection with future generations.

Buttikhi added that the award’s regional expansion to Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, in partnership with Bank of Jerusalem, broadens its cultural and humanitarian impact. He noted that heritage serves as a powerful common ground that transcends geography and borders, carrying the collective memory and shared stories of communities across the region. He further emphasized that supporting cultural and knowledge-based initiatives forms an integral part of the bank’s broader commitment to creating sustainable value and positive impact for society, beyond its role in the financial sector.

Organized in collaboration with the Petra National Trust, the European Union Delegation to Jordan, and H.E. Said Samih Darwazah, the Heritage Award recognizes outstanding efforts and innovative projects that contribute to the preservation and advancement of tangible, intangible, and digital heritage. The award also aims to promote community engagement and awareness of the importance of protecting historical landmarks, while encouraging innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges, including climate change and its impact on archaeological and heritage sites.