In Red Ink: Al-Mubarakiya for Kuwaitis Only!

I read a news report published in the Sunday, November 8, 2026, edition of the newspaper regarding the Ministry of Finance’s announcement to qualify Kuwaitis to operate state-owned commercial units in the Qibla area of Souq Al-Mubarakiya, with the aim of reviving these heritage shops. The initiative begins with 44 commercial units reserved exclusively for those with a historical legacy, including practitioners of traditional crafts and trades such as handicrafts, popular restaurants and cafes, spice shops, sellers of nuts and traditional food items, leather goods manufacturers and retailers, tailors, makers of prayer beads, and pharmacies.

In truth, I would call this a return to the authentic nature of Kuwaiti life and history. The decision represents a positive step in the right direction toward localizing professions and reclaiming the identity that distinguishes us and has long characterized the people of Kuwait. Had this tradition continued, we would have become among the industrial and craft nations in the field of national heritage.

Kuwaitis were historically people of industry and commerce, practicing handicrafts with their own hands. However, over time, and with the oil boom, these professions faded away. Today, Souq Al-Mubarakiya feels almost stripped of its original character, as if we are tourists in our own country due to the overwhelming presence of expatriate workers serving as vendors.

Visitors and residents, before even citizens, wish from the bottom of their hearts that the “people of the Dera” (local Kuwaitis) would fill the shops in this historic tourist landmark, allowing them to experience authentic Kuwaiti culture in its true form.

This decision marks the beginning of developing Kuwait’s premier tourist destination and its old city, serving as a key step toward localizing professions and preserving identity and heritage from extinction.