The approval announced after the Cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the Al-Shaheed Park administrative building permits the operation of various retail and dining venues across public properties. This decision coincides with the official inauguration of Al-Shaheed Park’s third phase on October 1 under the patronage of the Amir, which the Amiri Diwan stated has added substantial cultural tourism and entertainment infrastructure. The expanded park covers more than 243000 square metres and provides parking for 2388 vehicles according to Amiri Diwan specifications.
The third phase incorporates the Al-Soor Theatre Complex equipped with a 2300-seat Roman-style theater an outdoor cinema and a multipurpose hall the Kuwait Times Newspaper reported. New shops and cafes cleared for these government facilities are positioned to support the influx of visitors drawn by an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink an indoor snow games hall and a 24-kilometre walking track. Additional family-oriented features include shaded climbing areas a maze garden and interactive maps all integrated into the commercial layout.
Separately the Public-Private Partnership Authority initiated a tender in January 2026 for consultancy on redeveloping 23 state-owned projects that encompass historic souqs and malls such as Souq Al-Mubarakiya Souq Al-Safat and Al-Kout Mall. The authority’s documentation indicates that the selected consultants will prepare feasibility studies tender documents and bidder evaluations for these sites many of which will incorporate updated retail and hospitality spaces. Kuwait Times coverage of the tender highlighted that the projects also include United Souq Tower and several other mixed-use buildings with existing retail components.
The Ministry of Information Culture and Youth Affairs unveiled plans in January 2026 to transform Green Island into a sustainable tourist destination by 2027 with waterfront restaurants and cafes forming a central component. Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi told attendees at the project launch that the initiative ranks among the country’s most promising tourism developments and will feature a glass dome wellness center and cultural spaces alongside the dining outlets. The ministry’s assessment noted that the redevelopment will generate jobs and support small and medium enterprises through private sector partnerships.
Kuwait Municipality has intensified enforcement against violations in public commercial zones with its August 2026 campaign removing more than 3500 illegal encroachments including the closure of 420 unlicensed shops and restaurants in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh according to municipal data. The authority’s figures show that these actions have contributed to a 45 percent reduction in advertising and shop-related infractions under the “Kuwait is more beautiful without encroachments” initiative. Officials from the municipality stated that such measures create space for formally approved operations in government facilities while imposing fines of up to 5000 dinars for non-compliant activities.
