KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Director General of Kuwait Municipality Manal Al-Asfour confirmed on Saturday that recent amendments to building conditions and specifications are restricted solely to the former Free Zone, now officially designated as Service Sector (16), and do not apply to the Shuwaikh and Al-Rai areas.

In a press statement, Al-Asfour addressed media reports suggesting that the ministerial decision extended to other sectors. She emphasized that the amendments pertain exclusively to Sector 16 buildings within the free zone area.

Among the key updates, Al-Asfour noted that hotel construction is permitted at 150 percent of the plot area, consistent with previously established percentages. Additionally, buildings in the sector may now include more than one basement.

Commenting further on the matter, Director of the Capital Municipality Branch and Head of the Building Regulations Study and Review Committee, Muhammad Al-Mutairi, clarified that the former Free Zone has been transferred to the Public Authority for Industry and reclassified as Service Sector (16).

Al-Mutairi explained that the area now operates under multi-service zoning, aligning with regulatory frameworks similar to those of the Shuwaikh and Al-Rai service, crafts, and commercial zones. However, he stressed that the newly issued ministerial decision strictly applies to Sector 16 and excludes all other surrounding areas.

The updated building regulations for Sector 16 maintain a maximum building coverage of 130 percent, distributed across three levels: ground, mezzanine, and first floor. New specifications also set minimum space requirements, including a minimum of 100 square meters for shops and showrooms across the ground floor, mezzanine, and basement, and at least 150 square meters for offices on the ground floor and mezzanine.

Furthermore, the permitted percentage for restaurants and cafés has increased from 5 to 10 percent. Basement spaces may now be used for warehousing, and all plots are required to include parking within property boundaries.

The amendments follow a decision recently issued by Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Mishari. The decision outlines the permissible activities for commercial units within Sector 16, which include administrative offices, retail shops, exhibitions, banking services, health clubs, hotels, and storage facilities, along with complementary services to support the area’s functionality.