Latest news with #HamdanAl-Abdullah
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Food Truck Owners Call it Quits in Face of Curbs
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: Faced with difficulties and obstacles, 30 percent of food truck owners have currently ceased operations. In separate interviews with Al-Seyassah, they listed the challenges that led to this outcome. The most prominent among them is the refusal to allow parking in vital areas such as markets, tourist zones, and investment zones. This restriction has deprived them of expected financial returns, especially since the designated areas by the relevant authorities are relatively remote and lack sufficient traffic and activity. They also requested to be allowed to serve hot drinks with light meals, as they are currently prohibited from preparing coffee with meals. The details are as follows: Hamad Al-Enezi, owner of one of the projects, said he faces several obstacles in his business, most notably the lack of sufficient space in vital areas, as they are not allowed to park their food trucks in front of cooperative societies and shopping malls. He revealed that his profits from this project do not exceed KD 800 per month. Meanwhile, Hamdan Al-Abdullah believes that mobile cart projects are on the verge of extinction for several reasons, the most important being that a large segment of citizens travel abroad for their summer vacations, coupled with the fact that Kuwait is not a tourist country. He explained that many citizens do not accept mobile carts parking in front of parks located in private residential areas. Also, some official service agencies refuse to allow young entrepreneurs to park their mobile carts in the squares in front of their buildings. Young Kuwaitis who own carts specialized in printing services also face a lot of problems. In a related context, Hamoud Al-Ali said obstacles in obtaining licenses are ongoing, and they are no longer allowed to park in vital areas that could boost sales. Most of the locations permitted by the relevant authorities are in places with little to no activity, although a young entrepreneur may pay KD 30,000 to purchase a fully equipped cart. Comply He called for allowing mobile carts to park in vital areas such as busy and tourist markets like Souk Mubarakiya. In this regard, Haitham Al-Mutairi stated that mobile vehicle owners comply with all health and environmental requirements but must be allowed to park in the most important areas, especially investment zones. He stated that although there are approximately 3,250 mobile vehicles, parking spaces are limited to only 300, most of which are unprofitable, forcing 30 percent of project owners to cease operations completely. Al-Mutairi also highlighted other issues they face, such as the ban on transferring ownership of mobile vehicles, which creates further problems, as a young person who completes his project must then apply to the Civil Service Commission to obtain a job. For his part, a mobile commercial vehicle owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, called for the removal of all obstacles facing mobile vehicle project owners, especially since their number currently exceeds 4,000 vehicles. He explained that the problems are huge, particularly because many project owners have obtained loans from the 'Fund.' Due to these obstacles, the future looks extremely difficult for some, with several owners having already frozen their activities. Locations He affirmed the importance of providing access to vital locations rather than remote ones, noting that out of approximately 340 locations, only about 40 are favorable, while the rest are difficult for conducting business. In addition, Khaled Al-Majdami, owner of a mobile cart project, said the biggest problem they face is the prohibition on parking in vital locations, despite these projects being considered small businesses. He emphasized that all parties should support the owners of these projects, especially since they chose this path and have helped reduce the burden on the government by creating jobs. He expressed hope that the relevant authorities would allow mobile vehicles to park in areas near investment zones that witness crowds of both citizens and expatriates, as well as permit them to operate in major markets without issuing violations against mobile cart owners. Meanwhile, an informed source at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry explained that the ministry grants mobile cart licenses if the required conditions are met. These conditions include that the applicant must be at least 21 years old and not a government employee, along with the necessity of committing to practice only permitted activities. The ministry is not strict with mobile cart owners but requires them to obtain licenses, especially since there are convenient options to submit applications online through the ministry's website. It also mandates that approved parking spaces must not be violated. Other requirements for selecting locations include ensuring they offer suitable environmental conditions and do not disrupt traffic. The ministry has provided about 300 parking spaces, and project owners can choose their preferred location. It requires project owners not to engage in two activities simultaneously, such as preparing meals and making coffee at the same time. The cart must be equipped with adequate lighting, and the area designated for selling must be thermally separated from the food preparation area. Also, the mobile cart must not be older than 10 years. The source stressed that the mission of the ministry's inspection teams is to protect consumer health and ensure the quality of products offered by these project owners. He went on to explain that when the ministry receives complaints about carts parking in front of homes and causing inconvenience, it is natural to take action to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. This is especially important since the requirements for approved mobile cart parking locations include access to energy, water, electricity, and sewage facilities. The source stressed that it is illogical for applicants not to obtain a license according to legal procedures, clarifying that the ministry is not responsible for the rising number of applications, as these projects are considered a type of business governed by supply and demand.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Young Kuwaitis Gave Up Their Jobs For Food Trucks. Now 30% Are gone. Why?
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Kuwait's once-thriving food truck scene is now battling for survival, as nearly 30% of food truck operators have been forced to shut down amid mounting obstacles, restrictive regulations, and dwindling revenues. In a series of candid interviews with Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, frustrated vendors painted a grim picture of a sector under siege — with many warning that mobile business projects are on the brink of extinction. At the heart of their complaints is a ban on operating in vital locations such as bustling markets, tourist hubs, and investment zones. Instead, vendors are pushed into remote areas with little footfall, leaving them unable to cover costs, let alone turn a profit. "I barely make 800 dinars a month," said Hamad Al-Anzi, who owns one such cart. "The biggest hurdle is the lack of space in active areas. Without customers, what's the point?" Others echoed the same concerns. Hamdan Al-Abdullah described the current climate as a 'death sentence' for the industry, blaming the seasonal absence of customers, Kuwait's lack of year-round tourism, and growing hostility from citizens who object to mobile carts in residential zones. 'Even official agencies won't let us park in front of their buildings,' he lamented. 'Look at the youth trying to run mobile printing carts—completely sidelined.' High Cost, Low Returns Operators say the cost of entry into the mobile food business is deceptively high, with many investing up to KD 30,000 for fully equipped vehicles, only to be told they cannot serve coffee alongside food — a regulation they find baffling. "We meet all health and environmental standards, but we're still not allowed into profitable areas," said Haitham Al-Mutairi. 'There are over 3,000 food trucks in Kuwait, but fewer than 300 usable parking spots—and most don't bring in enough to survive.' To make matters worse, restrictions on transferring cart ownership, coupled with limited licensing flexibility, have turned this small business venture into a bureaucratic nightmare for young Kuwaitis. Some have even frozen operations entirely due to mounting debt, after taking loans from national funding programs. One anonymous cart owner put it bluntly: 'We're drowning in rules. We took loans, we hustled—and now, we're being punished for trying to be independent. Out of 340 designated locations, only 40 are truly viable.' Khaled Al-Majdami added: 'We're trying to contribute to the economy and ease the burden on public employment. Yet, we're being shut out of the very areas where customers are.' The Ministry Responds In response, a source at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry pushed back against accusations of obstruction. Speaking to Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, the official insisted that licenses are still being granted and 300 designated parking spots have been made available. 'We're not against food trucks," the source said. "But applicants must be over 21, not employed by the government, and meet clear conditions.' The Ministry insists it is upholding environmental and public safety standards, and that projects must avoid disrupting traffic or inconveniencing residents. Complaints from citizens about noise and crowding in residential areas have forced inspectors to take action. Among the ministry's conditions: No dual activity — you can't brew coffee and prepare food. Adequate lighting and hygiene standards are mandatory. Vehicles must be less than 10 years old. Parking areas must have access to power, water, and proper drainage. 'It's not logical to expect a license without following legal steps,' the official added. 'This is a business—subject to supply and demand.' But for many young entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark, that logic rings hollow. 'We're not asking for handouts,' one vendor said. 'We're just asking for the freedom to park, serve, and survive.' Al Seyassah / Arab Times
