‘We Just Opened Two Weeks Ago’: Traders Devastated by Beriah Salem Closure

13/02/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 13: Business owners at Beriah Salem in Salmiya are navigating a cloud of uncertainty following the abrupt order to shutter shops in Salmiya, a bustling commercial hub now waiting for tenders to be issued and award a contract to specialized companies in business, exhibitions or real estate capable of managing the project rather than relying on business incubators as was previously done.

One affected person who had just opened his restaurant 2 weeks before closure said,

“At the moment, we are still looking for another location where we can continue our business. It’s a difficult time, but we are trying to find a way to keep going.”

When asked whether there might be a chance for Souq Salmiya to reopen, the owner expressed hope and concern for the community, “We are hoping and praying that the souq will reopen soon. Reviving business activity there is crucial not just for us, but for the local economy. We are currently in deep debt, as we had just started our business when it was suddenly closed. Being able to reopen would help us recover and continue serving our customers.”

Echoing that sentiment, a former weekend kiosks vendor pinned hopes on fresh momentum: "We're holding out for a new company to take the reins at Beriah Salem. Once that happens, we'll be back in business before long."

Earlier, Kuwait Municipality Director Manal Al-Asfour ordered the evacuation of all kiosks at Beriah Salem in Salmiya's old souq area within seven days, drawing mixed reactions from residents and traders amid the sweeping closure of Enjaz Market and shop vacating reported by Arab Times on January 17, 2026.

Once a vibrant commercial hub spanning 24,000 square meters along Salem Al-Mubarak Street—refurbished in 2018 as a public-private partnership tied to Kuwait's Vision 2035 to support SMEs and diversify beyond oil—the site had evolved into a popular "Little Manila" enclave for Filipino workers, boasting hypermarkets, restaurants, salons, and graffiti art spots.

With tenant contract extensions denied post-warning periods and a potential six-month retendering process ahead, the enforcement highlights ongoing regulatory pressures on informal souqs while leaving local economies in limbo.