Souq Mubarakiya's charm trumps online shopping
Kuwait's iconic market thrives as a cultural landmark where tradition, connection and community converge
By Christine Susan Shine
In an age where shopping is often just a swipe away, Kuwait's historic Souq Mubarakiya stands out — not merely as a marketplace, but as a living memory. Despite the rise of e-commerce, conversations with visitors reveal a simple truth: The experience of offline shopping, especially at Mubarakiya, remains irreplaceable.
While online shopping offers convenience, Mubarakiya offers something deeper — a human connection. The opportunity to negotiate prices, chat with a shopkeeper who's been there for decades or simply lose oneself in a maze of history is what makes the souq unique.
Everything one might desire is found under one roof: Gold shops, antique stores, bead vendors, perfumeries, money exchangers, toy sellers, sweet stalls, fresh produce, bustling fish and meat markets and an entire street dedicated to women's fabrics and tailoring. More than a place to shop, Souq Mubarakiya is a destination to experience.
Fatma, a regular visitor, shared: 'I come here three times a month. It's easier to shop here because we know the sellers personally. I like to touch the fabrics and smell the perfumes before buying. The prices are reasonable, the quality is good, and there's that emotional attachment.'
This sense of familiarity and connection is echoed by many. For locals like Muhammad Ali, a visit to Mubarakiya is more than a shopping trip — it's a cherished tradition. 'Since childhood, I would come here with my mother to buy dishdasha and ghutra (headdress),' he recalled with a smile. 'Now, I come here to drink tea, enjoy a variety of cuisines and maybe bump into old friends.'
A vendor displays traditional teapots at a shop in Souq Mubarakiya.
A vendor stacks dates at his shop.
A vendor sits in his prayer bead shop in Souq Mubarakiya.
Foreign students in Kuwait visit the souq.
Muhammed Ali, a regular visitor.
A jeweller arranges ornaments at his gold shop in the souq.
People shop for fruit and vegetables and foodstuff at Souq Mubarakiya.
'Coming here gives a completely different feeling,' said another customer, strolling through the souq. 'You see people from all walks of life. It's the same feeling I had 20-30 years ago when my grandfather and father used to bring me here. In today's digital world, it's very hard to get in touch with reality. But here, you get to sense it all.'
It's not just Kuwaitis who are drawn to the souq. Tourists, expats and students all agree that the charm of Mubarakiya lies in its ability to offer an authentic, welcoming experience. For many, it's also a weekend retreat. Warrior, a student from Tajikistan, and Iman, a Russian student, both regulars at the souq, shared: 'We come here not just to shop, but to walk around and enjoy the surroundings. It's a weekend tradition for us now.'
'Going to shops in Kuwait will never go out of trend,' said another visitor. 'People here love the act of shopping itself — feeling, seeing tasting. It's part of who we are.' This sensory richness cannot be replicated online. At Mubarakiya, shoppers experience a level of reliability and connection that no digital platform can match. According to recent figures issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait, consumer spending reached an all-time high of KD 47.81 billion in 2024 — a testament to Kuwaitis' enduring love for shopping.
In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation, Souq Mubarakiya stands as a reminder of shopping's roots as a social, sensory and deeply human experience. Every corner of the souq tells a story, every stall contributes to Kuwait's cultural fabric. As the nation moves into a digital future, Mubarakiya continues to prove that tradition and progress can coexist in harmony. And as long as the love for tradition remains strong, the story of Mubarakiya will not be written on a screen — but lived in the very heart of the city.
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