Kuwait: Plan to revitalize, restore popular cafes

The Ministry of Social Affairs, through the newly established Committee for the Development of Popular Cafes, is embarking on a comprehensive plan to revitalize and restore popular cafes scattered across various regions of the country, reports Al-Jarida daily.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the committee has outlined a vision for the complete renovation of Suleiman Al-Shamaimari cafe in the Sharq region, with an estimated cost of 432 thousand dinars. The Committee has submitted designs and plans for the development of Al- Shamaimari cafe, along with a proposed timeline, to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Chairman of the National Cooperative Projects Committee for approval. Once approved and funded, the café will undergo redevelopment according to contemporary architectural styles while preserving its authentic Kuwaiti heritage, a hallmark of cafes across the country. The Committee will oversee all stages of the cafe’s development plan, with particular attention to administrative and financial regulations. Proposals for their enhancement will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Additionally, the committee is examining contracts associated with the cafe fund, including investment and maintenance agreements, and will provide recommendations on their management.

Currently, there are five permanent cafes distributed across various governorates, with a sixth temporary cafe in Sabah Al-Ahmad City. Efforts are underway to secure permanent status for the latter pending approval from the municipal council, underscoring the importance of cafe development in preserving heritage and attracting younger generations.