Hamad Al-Dhafiri, Director of the Cooperative Development Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs, announced that more than 8,800 commercial activities are now operating across 73 cooperative societies in Kuwait, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts to diversify services and enhance economic activity across residential regions.
The snack food businesses lead cooperative investments in popularity and profitability.
The Sabah Al-Ahmad Cooperative tops the list with 340 of 396 shops active, reaching a 90% occupancy rate; the Northwest Sulaibikhat Cooperative has also reached about 90% occupancy, with ongoing offerings.
This is in addition to the West Abdullah Al-Mubarak, 31 out of 61 shops have been offered for investment (50%) and the Mutlaa Cooperative is preparing to open branches and soon offer shops for investment, following the formation of its interim board.
Al-Dhafiri affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by allocating 10% of shops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He said 25 shops have already been launched for small business owners this year. All commercial sectors, including tire repair, are open to young entrepreneurs, with one such business operating in the Salmiya Cooperative.
Since January 2025, Al-Dhafiri added, more than 200 shops have been offered for investment across Kuwait; around 50 more shops will be launched soon in areas like Zahra, Kaifan, Jabriya, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Al-Naeem, Al-Wafra, Al-Qadsiyah, and Ali Sabah Al-Salem.
These include diverse businesses such as retail stores, barbershops, juice shops, laundries, tailoring, and gift shops.
Al-Dhafiri added, over 20,000 transactions have been completed through automated systems, reflecting progress in digital transformation and service delivery.
The expansion plan, he said, is being executed under the supervision of Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi and Dr. Sayed Issa, in line with directives from Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila.
The initiative reflects Kuwait’s strategic vision to revitalize cooperative sectors, stimulate local economies, and create new job opportunities for its youth and entrepreneurs.
