Kuwait’s Tent Market expansion project in Jahra Spanning 100,000 sqm will adhere to global sustainability standards set by GORD. Featuring commercial, cultural, and recreational shops to attract visitors year-round, the project is aimed at  reviving cultural heritage linked to Kuwaiti society and “Bedouin" traditions.

To revive the cultural heritage linked to Kuwaiti society and promote sustainable development, the Kuwait Municipality is preparing to implement several major development projects, including the establishment and development of a central tent market in Jahra Governorate.

According to the initial study prepared by the municipality's projects sector, which “Al-Seyassah" has obtained a copy of, the Central Tent Market project has received approval from the Municipal Council. The total area of the project is 100,000 sqm.

The municipality indicated that feasibility studies and proposed engineering designs for the project are being prepared. These studies will consider all cultural, social, recreational, developmental, and economic aspects associated with such markets. They will also adhere to global sustainability standards set by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) and incorporate the latest smart systems, making the proposed market attractive to citizens, residents, and tourists throughout the year.

Based on a Municipal Council decision, 50,000 sqm were initially allocated for tent sales within Jahra Governorate on a temporary basis. However, at the request of the Projects Development Department, the Council approved an additional 50,000 sqm to be permanently allocated, enabling the municipality to offer it as a central market to the private sector.

The municipality pointed out that the project will provide an economically diverse and sustainably prosperous environment. It is an extension of Kuwaiti cultural and folk heritage and focuses on maximizing human capital by creating a sustainable living environment.

The municipality's vision, according to the study, is to revive the cultural heritage associated with Kuwaiti society and “Bedouin" traditions by focusing on tent sales and related activities and goods in an educational, recreational, and economic framework.

The municipality also aims for the project to consider sustainable development, establishing an environmentally friendly concept through green architecture. The project's environment will be attractive and suitable for shopping, education, and entertainment throughout the year, contributing to economic development. The private sector will manage the project activities, opening new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

The advisory study being prepared will include environmental and social impact assessments, soil testing, surveying, traffic studies, as well as comprehensive technical and feasibility studies.

The municipality emphasized that the project's importance lies in Kuwait's reputation for the best tent manufacturing quality in the Gulf. Therefore, maintaining this activity is crucial as it represents part of Kuwaiti heritage and culture. The project aims to uphold Kuwait's leadership in this field, eliminate previous informal markets, and create an integrated market that will be a destination for the entire Gulf, the Middle East, and the world.

The project will also be a tourist attraction by creating diverse cultural, educational, recreational, and commercial activities, providing the appropriate infrastructure for such projects.

Commercial activities supported by the project

– Shops for tent accessories

– Shops and kiosks for small projects

– Falcon sales and related supplies shops

– Areas and grounds for horses and camels and their requirements

– Traditional cafes and restaurants

– Multi-purpose event space

– Logistic warehouses for tent sellers

– Cultural museum

– Covered playgrounds or areas or halls for children's games

– Green spaces

– Educational workshops

Allocation of 500 sqm per plot

The municipality mentioned that after meeting with tent owners, the market's needs were identified. Accordingly, it was decided that each traditional tent sale plot should not be less than 500 sqm per beneficiary. Tent manufacturers are encouraged to be allocated two plots for sales, prohibiting subleasing, and dealing directly with investors.