Restoration of Ahmadi Market, Cinema to showcase Kuwait’s cultural commitment
KOC and NCCAL join forces to revitalize historic Ahmadi landmarks
Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Tuesday spoke about the restoration of the old Ahmadi Market and the historic Ahmadi Cinema saying these twin landmark sites reflect Kuwait’s deep commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency after the signing of a supervision agreement between Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), in line with Cabinet Resolution No. (927) issued on July 8, 2025, Sheikh Hamoud stressed that the Ahmadi Governorate will continue its coordination role among government agencies to speed up the project’s implementation and resolve the issue of obstacles, should there be any.
He praised the Cabinet decision, particularly the Minister of Information, Culture and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Oil Tariq Al-Roumi, and all relevant authorities for their support.
He also paid gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah for their steadfast commitment to preserving Kuwait’s heritage.
KOC CEO Ahmad Al-Eidan stated that the company’s participation stems from its national and social responsibility toward preserving Kuwaiti heritage and contributing to sustainable development.
He emphasized that KOC’s role in Ahmadi has always gone beyond oil extraction to include community services, infrastructure development, and heritage preservation.
He noted that the company had volunteered to fund and supervise the project, which will extend over four years.
For his part, NCCAL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar described the project as one of the most important cultural restoration initiatives in Kuwait, confirming that partial operations of some facilities will begin next year, with phased work continuing until full completion. He said the initiative supports Ahmadi City’s nomination for UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Batoul Ashour, Director of the Ahmadi Cultural Platform Project, explained that the restoration will blend traditional authenticity with contemporary development to recreate Ahmadi’s historic identity. She highlighted that UNESCO and ICOMOS experts had already visited the city as part of its candidacy process, stressing that Ahmadi’s architectural and cultural value qualifies it for global recognition.
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