Decision taken to relocate Mubarakiya Fish Market after repeated complaints

Amid growing public complaints, a decision has been taken to relocate the fish market from Al-Mubarakiya to an alternative site, as part of an organizational framework aimed at improving the area’s environment and visitor experience.

Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Mishari made the announcement during his attendance at the opening of the “Pride of National Industries” festival at Al-Mubarakiya market.

He said the decision seeks to address longstanding concerns, particularly those related to odors emanating from the fish market and their negative impact on the surrounding environment and the movement of shoppers and visitors.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the event, Al-Mishari confirmed that decisions have already been made to relocate the market to another area, noting that proposed alternative locations have been identified. He added that the procedures for implementing the relocation are currently with the concerned authorities, stressing that the municipality is ready to support the process until its completion.

Informed sources told Al-Rai that the alternative location will be within the fish market in Sharq, in accordance with what has been agreed upon by the relevant authorities.

The sources indicated that administrative and organizational procedures for the transfer are currently underway, and that investors operating stalls in Al-Mubarakiya will be officially notified of the relocation arrangements in due course.

On the festival itself, Al-Mishari expressed his satisfaction with the continued development and expansion of the “Pride of National Industries” festival in its third edition, noting the clear growth it has witnessed from one season to the next.

He affirmed Kuwait Municipality’s readiness to host and organize such events at Souq Al-Mubarakiya, describing it as a central hub for heritage and commercial activities, and praised the efforts of the municipality’s organizing teams in ensuring the festival’s success.

Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajil emphasized that the national industrial sector holds strategic priority for the State of Kuwait, as it represents a key driver for economic diversification and increasing added value to the national economy.

Speaking on the sidelines of the festival’s opening, Al-Ajil said the government is working to create a supportive environment that enables local industries to grow and compete, adding that hosting the festival in Souq Al-Mubarakiya reinforces the link between national products, cultural identity, and heritage.

He noted that the state’s development plan focuses on increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to national income, expanding the production base, and supporting value-added industries, thereby creating quality job opportunities and enhancing economic sustainability.

Al-Ajil also praised cooperation with the Voluntary Work Center, describing it as a model of effective community partnership in supporting national products and empowering entrepreneurs.

Abdulrahman Al-Farsi, Vice President of the Voluntary Work Center, said the festival aims to highlight the capabilities of the local industrial sector and enhance consumer confidence in Kuwaiti products.

He noted that the success of the first two editions encouraged broader participation in the third, expressing hope that the event will strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors and contribute to sustainable economic development.

The third edition of the “Pride of National Industries” festival opened last Thursday at Souq Al-Mubarakiya and will continue until January 24, with the participation of 19 leading Kuwaiti companies representing various local industries.