Plans underway to relocate Al-Mubarakiya Fish Market amid odor complaints
Growing complaints from visitors, tourists, and shop owners about persistent foul odors around the Al-Mubarakiya fish market have prompted authorities to take steps to relocate the market to the Sharq area citing health and technical violations affecting the market’s operations.
The Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, confirmed that he has been closely following the evaluation process conducted by the concerned authorities.
He noted that the unpleasant smells have increasingly affected commercial activity and tourism in the historic district, making it necessary to study the relocation proposal in depth, reports Al-Rai daily.
The governor said that his role focuses on coordinating and monitoring government projects with executive authorities. He added that a recent field visit to Al-Mubarakiya highlighted the scale of the issue and its impact on the area’s commercial environment, prompting him to submit recommendations to address the situation effectively.
According to the governor, prior meetings were held with the relevant authorities to discuss moving the fish market to Sharq, which offers more suitable space and organizational capacity. Discussions also included plans to reorganize the meat market as part of a broader project to enhance Al-Mubarakiya and preserve its historical identity.
He explained that the governorate is in contact with the State Property Department at the Ministry of Finance and is following up with the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) on the required approvals.
The final decision will rest with the executive bodies and will be announced once official procedures are complete. He noted that relocating the market — if approved — would open the way to redevelop the current site, improve commercial activity, and enhance the visitor experience in line with national efforts to upgrade quality of life and strengthen the heritage character of the capital.
Meanwhile, informed sources indicated that the Al-Mubarakiya fish market has suffered from declining operational standards, prompting considerations to move it to an alternative location.
A comprehensive study is currently underway to evaluate the violations and challenges facing the market, with the Eastern Market on the waterfront identified as a potential replacement site.
According to the sources, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition has received numerous complaints from citizens about lingering odors inside and around the market. The authority has proposed transferring 39 stalls to Sharq, where a similar number of spaces are available.
Key issues identified by inspectors include:
- Malfunctioning ceiling exhaust fans.
- Insufficient cooling and inadequate ventilation.
- Breakdown of air-handling equipment.
- Five outlet points releasing odors into surrounding areas.
- Accumulation of fish-cleaning waste in water channels.
- Lack of proper cleaning and sanitizing materials.
Authorities are expected to finalize the relocation decision in the near future as part of ongoing efforts to improve market conditions and preserve the historic appeal of Al-Mubarakiya.
