Kuwait Municipality removes 3,500 illegal encroachments in nationwide crackdown
- Closes 420 illegal shops and restaurants in Jleeb; removes 1,800 abandoned vehicles; targets advertising violations, illegal camps
Kuwait Municipality has carried out a major expansion of its regulatory and field operations over the past year, launching a series of nationwide campaigns aimed at removing violations, protecting state property and strengthening enforcement of municipal laws.
The campaigns were part of a broader government strategy to eliminate illegal and random structures and activities in residential, investment, commercial and desert areas. The municipality said the operations were designed to restore the country’s appearance, protect infrastructure and ensure that laws are applied without exception.
The campaigns involved close coordination between municipal sectors, security agencies and relevant government ministries. This coordination gave field teams greater enforcement capabilities and enabled them to deal rapidly with serious violations, including blocked roads, occupied public spaces and unlicensed commercial and labor activities.
A major focus was the “Kuwait is more beautiful without encroachments” campaign, which targeted violations on state property in private and model residential areas across all governorates. During its first weeks, municipal teams removed more than 3,500 construction encroachments, including illegal fences, diwaniyas and rooms built outside plot boundaries, as well as obstructions blocking emergency access.
The municipality also launched the “Hand in Hand for a Sustainable Residential Environment” campaign to improve cleanliness and road occupancy. Teams removed more than 1,800 abandoned cars, boats and scrap-metal structures from dirt areas in model residential neighborhoods, helping restore public spaces and reduce environmental and visual pollution.
In Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, a joint campaign involving the municipality, Ministry of Interior and other authorities targeted illegal markets and unlicensed businesses. The operation resulted in the closure and sealing of 420 random shops and restaurants, while electricity was disconnected from 85 properties being used for illegal group housing and commercial purposes.
The municipality has also stepped-up efforts to regulate commercial activities through the “License Your Activity… Your Steps Are Correct” campaign. The initiative targets commercial, investment, service, industrial and craft activities and urges business owners to obtain and renew licenses through official channels before operating.
Municipality spokesman Mohammed Al-Sundan said the licensing campaign has three tracks: awareness, media and field inspections. Awareness materials are published through the municipality’s social media accounts, officials appear on television programs to explain licensing procedures, and inspection teams conduct field visits to ensure businesses comply with municipal requirements.
The campaign has already contributed to a 45 percent reduction in advertising and shop-related violations, according to the municipality. Officials warned that violations such as operating without a license, adding unauthorized space or conducting activities without municipal approval can result in fines of up to 5,000 dinars, as well as possible business closure.
Municipal teams have also intensified action against street vendors and unlicensed mobile food and transport vehicles to protect public health. Authorities confiscated and destroyed approximately 12 tons of spoiled food, while 210 mobile vehicles were seized and referred for violating licensing requirements and approved parking locations.
During the spring camping season, the municipality introduced tighter controls to protect desert areas and prevent environmental damage. More than 2,800 spring-camp permits were issued electronically, while emergency teams removed 140 illegal camps that had been established before the official season, in unauthorized locations or near oil facilities.
The municipality’s enforcement drive has been supported by a significant increase in public reporting. Its 139 hotline and electronic complaints system received more than 9,000 reports from citizens and residents, with authorities saying the complaints were dealt with promptly through field teams.
Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Mashari has played a key role in supporting the enforcement strategy, particularly in activating building regulations, removing encroachments, protecting state property and advancing digital municipal services.
Municipality Director General Manal Al-Asfour has overseen the executive implementation through daily field follow-up and instructions to sector and department heads to intensify inspections of violating properties, shops and cleanliness conditions. The municipality says this leadership approach has helped improve response times and strengthened public confidence in enforcement.
The municipality stressed that the inspection campaign will continue, with daily and surprise field operations across Kuwait. Officials said the objective is to create cleaner, safer and more organized residential, commercial and desert environments while ensuring that municipal laws are enforced firmly and equally, with continued cooperation from citizens and residents.
