Al-Mubarakiya... When the Simplest Services Disappear
An opinion report highlighting the shortage of restrooms and poor cleanliness in Al-Mubarakiya markets, calling on relevant authorities to resolve the issue to ensure a good tourist experience.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
The Al-Mubarakiya markets are among the most prominent heritage and tourist landmarks in the State of Kuwait. They are not merely commercial markets, but a historical and social memory that reflects a facet of Kuwait’s identity and authenticity. Al-Mubarakiya has become a preferred destination for citizens, residents, and both Gulf and foreign tourists, particularly during the winter season when the weather is mild, thanks to its diverse array of markets, restaurants, cafes, and recreational squares that attract families and visitors of all ages.
Despite its many tourist attractions, Al-Mubarakiya faces a service-related issue that warrants attention: a noticeable shortage of public restrooms, poor cleanliness levels in some facilities, and limited capacity relative to the number of visitors, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons.
I am not the only one who has pointed out this problem or called for its resolution. Appeals to prioritize this essential service, which cannot be considered secondary, have been repeated, particularly when it comes to families, children, and the elderly, who may struggle to spend extended periods in the market due to the lack of adequate and clean sanitary facilities.
The success of any tourist destination is measured not only by the beauty of its buildings or the diversity of its commercial and recreational activities, but also by the quality of the basic services it provides to its visitors. A tourist who finds comfort, cleanliness, and organization carries away a positive impression of the place, whereas even the simplest service shortcomings can leave a negative impact on their experience.
Therefore, we look forward to action by the relevant authorities to address this issue by increasing the number of public restrooms, distributing them in suitable locations, and ensuring adequate cleaning, maintenance, and continuous monitoring services, commensurate with the market’s importance and the volume of visitors.
Al-Mubarakiya deserves to remain a distinguished civil and tourist face for Kuwait, with its attractions complemented by high-quality services. It is illogical to succeed in attracting visitors to Al-Mubarakiya, only to fail in providing their most basic human needs.
