Popular cafes to broadcast World Cup matches for free during working hours

Al-Shammari Café in its new form.

KUWAIT CITY, June 11: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah announced during the reopening of Al-Shammari Café following extensive renovation works that the ministry is pressing ahead with a comprehensive program to modernize traditional cafes throughout Kuwait and establish new facilities in areas currently underserved by such venues.

Al-Huwailah said the initiative is designed to improve services for citizens while safeguarding Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage. She stressed that the ministry is committed to upgrading traditional cafes in line with the country’s ongoing urban development, while preserving their unique social and cultural character.

Meanwhile, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, announced that popular cafes will broadcast World Cup soccer matches free of charge during official working hours.

He said the initiative is part of the ministry's and the Popular Cafes Board's efforts to diversify services and activities for visitors, while strengthening the role of popular cafes as social and cultural gathering spaces for different segments of society.

Speaking during the reopening of Al-Shamimari Cafe following renovation works, Al-Ajmi said the ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, is working to expand the network of popular cafes by opening several new locations in the coming period.

He explained that the Popular Cafes Board, together with its work teams and national staff, is continuing efforts to enhance service quality, upgrade facilities, and improve the overall environment of popular cafes to meet the needs of their patrons as well as preserve their heritage and social traditions. The ministry gives special attention to popular cafes, considering them important social facilities that serve as meeting places for members of the community and reflect an aspect of Kuwaiti identity.

Al-Ajmi said the reopening of Al-Shamimari Café in its new form is part of a series of development projects being implemented by the ministry in cooperation with the Board of Directors of Popular Cafés.

He emphasized the commitment to providing a suitable and comfortable environment for café visitors, as well as supporting and empowering national staff working in this sector to enhance services and improve operational quality.

Al-Ajmi indicated that the next phase will include further development projects and expansions, in line with the growing popularity of popular cafes and to strengthen their social and cultural role.

By Fares Ghaleb

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff