For Kuwaitis Only... 'Finance' Offers 44 Shops in Mubarak Al-Kabeer

The Official Gazette, “Kuwait Today,” published today a statement by the Ministry of Finance regarding the qualification of applicants wishing to operate state-owned commercial shops in the Qibla area of the Al-Mubarakiya market, within Commercial Plot No. 7.

The ministry stated that the announcement aligns with its vision to revive heritage commercial shops. It covers 40 shops, with their operation restricted to individuals possessing a historical heritage connection to the Al-Mubarakiya markets, engaged in the following activities: handicrafts and artisanal industries, traditional restaurants and cafes, spice shops, sale of nuts and traditional food products, leather goods manufacturing and sales, tailoring, prayer beads, and pharmacies.

The ministry stipulated that applicants must be Kuwaiti nationals, a condition that must remain valid throughout the lease term. Applicants must also possess full legal capacity and be at least 21 years old. Furthermore, they must not have been finally convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or breach of trust, unless their reputation has been officially restored.

Additionally, applicants must not have any ongoing legal disputes with the ministry arising from previous contracts related to the operation of state-owned properties, or from breaches of contractual or financial obligations toward the ministry, unless such disputes have been resolved by a final court judgment or an approved settlement.

Applicants must also express willingness to operate the shop in the same historical activity or in another historical activity among those listed. A qualification committee will review applications, assess elements of historical connection, and rank eligible candidates. The deadline for submitting applications is one month from the date of the announcement.