The Kuwait Fire Force has called on individuals planning to rent shops in malls and commercial complexes to ensure that the properties hold valid fire safety licenses issued in the name of the owners. This step is essential for tenants to secure their own operational approvals without unnecessary delays, the force explained. According to the authority, a valid license verifies that the establishment adheres to all approved fire prevention and safety standards.
Failure to verify such licenses can result in the Prevention Sector refusing to issue a fire license for the rented outlet, a position the force has reiterated in recent months. Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Gharib, the Director of Public Relations at the Kuwait Fire Force, highlighted this requirement in statements earlier this year. The measure forms part of ongoing efforts to tighten safety compliance across commercial venues.
In February 2026 the Kuwait Fire Force launched an electronic licensing inquiry service that allows business owners and tenants to check the status of establishment licenses online before entering lease agreements, according to Kuwait Times. This digital tool was introduced to facilitate easier verification and promote adherence to safety protocols. Users can access the service through the authority’s official platforms.
The advisory aligns with previous warnings issued in January 2026 when the force stressed that no fire license would be granted to rented commercial outlets unless the original building itself is duly licensed. Al-Gharib urged investors and tenants at the time to confirm the owner’s possession of an active fire safety license to avoid complications. Such repeated communications reflect the authority’s focus on preventive measures in high-traffic commercial areas.
Figures from the Kuwait Fire Force show it responded to 1,304 fire reports across residential and non-residential areas in the first half of 2025, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib told Kuwait News Agency. Hawally Governorate recorded the highest number with 215 reports, followed by Mubarak Al-Kabeer with 202. The data, which includes blazes at commercial facilities, highlights the ongoing need for rigorous licensing and inspection regimes.
The authority’s guidance helps protect both businesses and the public by ensuring all premises meet rigorous safety criteria before operations commence. By verifying licenses upfront, tenants can avoid potential shutdowns or fines associated with non-compliant locations. This proactive approach supports the broader goal of maintaining high levels of fire prevention across Kuwait, where a Ken Research assessment placed the fire protection system market at $1 billion in 2025.
