KUWAIT CITY, Dec 6: Amid growing complaints from visitors, tourists, and neighboring shop owners about persistent foul odors emanating from the Mubarakiya fish market, concerned authorities are moving closer to taking a decisive decision to relocate the market to Sharq. The move comes as part of broader efforts to protect public health, enhance the visitor experience, and preserve the historical character of one of Kuwait’s most iconic commercial districts.

The Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, confirmed that he is closely following up with the relevant authorities on the procedures underway to study the transfer of the fish market from Al-Mubarakiya to the Sharq area. He said the move responds directly to repeated complaints regarding unpleasant odors and their adverse impact on commercial activity and tourism in the historic market.

Sheikh Abdullah explained that the Capital Governorate's role is to coordinate and monitor government projects in cooperation with executive authorities. During a recent field visit to Mubarakiya, he observed firsthand the scale of the problem and its negative impact on the surrounding commercial environment, prompting him to submit necessary recommendations to the competent bodies to address the issue appropriately and sustainably.

He added that several meetings have already been held with concerned authorities to discuss the proposal to relocate the fish market to Sharq, noting that the alternative site offers better-organized spaces and improved infrastructure. Discussions also included plans to reorganize the meat market as part of a comprehensive development vision aimed at modernizing Al-Mubarakiya while safeguarding its historical and cultural identity.

The Governor further noted that the Capital Governorate is in ongoing coordination with the State Property Department at the Ministry of Finance, in addition to following up with the relevant partnership authorities. He stressed that the final decision rests with the executive authorities and will be announced once all official and legal procedures are completed.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that reorganising the current fish market site—once relocation is approved—would play a key role in revitalising commercial activity, improving the overall environment for visitors, and reinforcing the heritage appeal of Mubarakiya. This, he said, is in line with the state’s broader vision to enhance the quality of life and preserve the historic character of the capital.

In the same context, informed sources at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition told Al-Rai that the fish market in Mubarakiya has largely lost its operational and service effectiveness due to ongoing health and technical violations. According to the sources, these issues have undermined the market’s functionality and led to a growing number of complaints regarding foul odors affecting surrounding shops and visitors.

The sources revealed that a comprehensive assessment is currently being prepared to document the problems and violations affecting the market. This study includes a formal proposal to relocate the fish market to the Sharq Market, which is better equipped to meet regulatory and operational requirements.

They added that the authority has received multiple complaints from citizens about persistent odors both inside the market and in the surrounding areas. As a result, a recommendation has been made to transfer the market’s 39 existing stalls to the Sharq waterfront market, where sufficient space is available to accommodate the same number of vendors.

Key Observations by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition

According to the Authority, the most significant issues identified during inspections include:

Officials stressed that addressing these issues through relocation and redevelopment is essential to ensuring public health, improving environmental conditions, and preserving Mubarakiya’s status as a major cultural and tourist destination.