KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11: The Ministry of Social Affairs, represented by the Social Fund for Popular Cafes, signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Engineers Association to enhance the role of the fund in supporting societal functions, developing cafes, and providing technical, engineering, and consulting services. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi stated in a press release after the signing that the memorandum, initiated under the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, aims to advance urban development in cafes by implementing modern engineering designs that reflect the latest international styles while embracing Kuwait’s cultural heritage. Each governorate’s distinct history will be highlighted, creating cultural, recreational, and civilized spaces for both Kuwaiti and expatriate families. Dr. Al-Ajmi emphasized the Ministry's commitment to a structured development plan with a set timetable, focusing on improving cafes and expanding their services.

Al-Ajmi also revealed that five popular cafes are distributed across the country's governorates, with plans to develop all of them. The Salmiya Café will be the first to undergo development, followed by cafes in Sulaibikhat, Al-Shumaymari, and Al-Jahra. Small branches have already opened in the cities of Mutlaa and Sabah Al-Ahmad to extend services to new residential areas. The ministry intends to establish additional cafes in these regions, with development funds sourced from the financial revenues generated by rented shops.

Faisal Al-Atal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Engineers Association, explained that the association has been committed to offering technical and engineering expertise to government agencies free of charge as part of their contribution to Kuwait’s industrial and urban growth. The memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs builds on the long-standing collaboration between the association and the Popular Cafés Fund. Al-Atal confirmed the completion of the design for the Salmiya Popular Café, inspired by the "Gateway to Kuwait," with future designs for other cafes to be influenced by the local heritage of each area.

Looking ahead, the design for the Sulaibikhat Popular Café will be the next project, with hopes to further expand cooperation and improve all Ministry of Social Affairs facilities. Al-Atal expressed appreciation for the ministry’s efforts toward achieving its reform and development vision for the benefit of Kuwait and its citizens.

He added that the memorandum allows either party to participate in activities proposed by the other, with no financial obligations for either side. If a party chooses not to participate in an event, its name, seal, logo, or any identifying element will not be associated with it.