By Aaron Philip As you step into Souq Al Mubarakiya, the soaring Kuwaiti flag, traditional wooden pillars, aroma of spices and coffee, children playing and beautiful lights enhancing the traditional atmosphere capture your attention. “It feels really good to roam around the souq and feel the breeze during weekends,” said Stanley, an Indian expat. He added that the aesthetic of the place is well-maintained.
The souq attracts visitors from around the world due to its traditional appearance. Souq Mubarakiya is one of the oldest markets in Kuwait and was a major trade hub before the discovery of oil. Named after then Amir Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, the souq has a history of around 120 years.
Local papers recall that people could directly speak with their leader at Sheikh Mubarak Al-Kabeer’s Kiosk, a small pavilion in the center of the souq, to express their desires and worries. The market was damaged during the 1990 invasion but was restored to its traditional beauty. Despite a massive fire in 2022 causing significant damage, the souq continues to thrive.
“My kids love to come here and play on the slides and swings,” said Julie, a Filipino expat. She mentioned that many visitors help her children socialize and make friends. A Kuwaiti citizen reminisced about visiting the souq with his parents during his childhood, noting that not much has changed.
He expressed gratitude to the authorities for maintaining the souq’s beauty. Decades of history The souq hosts many shops se.
