Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh: The Time Bomb Kuwait Finally Decided to Defuse

24/07/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Jul 24: For years, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh remained one of Kuwait’s most challenging urban areas — a district where overcrowding, illegal modifications, deteriorating infrastructure and repeated violations accumulated over decades.

Behind the crowded buildings and narrow streets was a deeper problem: a housing system where illegal extensions, unsafe accommodation arrangements and regulatory violations continued despite repeated warnings from authorities.

The recent government crackdown has brought renewed attention to how the situation was allowed to develop and why stronger action was delayed for so long.

Warnings Ignored, Violations Continued

According to an Arab Times investigation, several property owners received official warnings from municipal authorities much before enforcement operations began (over a period of 2 yrs).

However, some landlords and building caretakers (Harras) continued renting out modified and overcrowded apartments despite violations identified by authorities. Officials and expats familiar with the situation said financial incentives encouraged some property owners to maintain high-density housing arrangements that failed to meet safety standards.

Authorities have long stressed that buildings must comply with structural, safety and occupancy regulations, and that properties exceeding their approved lifespan or becoming unsafe must undergo rehabilitation, reconstruction or removal.

Years of Neglect Created a Growing Risk and Violations

Over time, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh became associated with multiple violations, including:

Unauthorized building modifications and extensions
Overcrowded residential units
Residency law violations
Housing of absconding expats and wanted individuals by law
Unlicensed commercial activities
Food safety violations
Poor sanitation and environmental conditions
Deteriorating infrastructure
Prostitution

Residents and officials have repeatedly raised concerns over overcrowding, waste accumulation, pest infestations and the spread of rodents and stray animals in parts of the area.

The combination of aging buildings, unauthorized alterations and population pressure created increasing safety concerns.

A Tragedy That Accelerated Enforcement

The issue gained greater urgency following a major building collapse in the area that resulted in fatalities and displaced residents, highlighting the dangers posed by unsafe structures and poor maintenance.

The incident intensified calls for stricter enforcement and accelerated government efforts to address illegal housing practices.

Why Action Took So Long

For years, attempts to deal with Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh’s problems faced challenges, including social pressure, political interference, and resistance from some stakeholders benefiting from the existing situation.

Critics argue that years of delayed enforcement allowed violations to become deeply established, making the eventual solution more difficult and costly.

Major Security Operation Begins

The latest campaign involved multiple government agencies, including security forces and inspection teams, conducting large-scale operations to identify violations, remove illegal activities, and enforce regulations.

During the operation, authorities sealed areas, conducted inspections, and took action against residency and building violations.

The campaign is being carried out under the direction of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, who has repeatedly emphasized that public safety regulations must be enforced without exception.

No Leniency for Unsafe Housing Practices

Officials said property owners who ignore safety requirements or endanger residents for financial gain will face legal action.

The Ministry of Interior has described the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh operation as the beginning of a broader strategy to address unsafe housing conditions across Kuwait.

Authorities said procedures developed during the campaign will be expanded to other governorates to identify and eliminate violations threatening public safety.

A Test of Enforcement and Accountability

The Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh crackdown represents a major test for Kuwait’s ability to address long-standing urban challenges.

While authorities have pledged decisive action, observers say the success of the campaign will depend not only on removing current violations but also on preventing their return through stronger monitoring, accountability, and enforcement.

For many residents, the operation marks a turning point — ending years of neglect and raising a larger question: how did such conditions continue for so long, and what measures will ensure they do not happen again?

by John C Fernandes
Arab Times Online Media Manager

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh: The Time Bomb Kuwait Finally Decided to Defuse