Kuwait Times, 26 July 2025: Kuwait Municipality has confirmed that recent amendments to building specifications apply exclusively to the free zone’s service sector (16), and not to the broader Shuwaikh and Al-Rai areas.

Municipality Director clarified that the new regulations maintain the existing 150 percent building area allowance for hotels within service plots, while introducing the option for multiple basement levels.

The updated specifications establish specific requirements for sector (16):

• Maximum building coverage of 130 percent across three floors
• Minimum shop and showroom sizes of 100 square metres
• Office spaces no smaller than 150 square metres on ground and mezzanine floors
• Increased restaurant allocation from 5 to 10 percent
• Mandatory on-site parking provision

They also noted that the former free zone, now under the Public Authority for Industry’s jurisdiction, permits various commercial activities, including:

• Administrative offices
• Retail shops
• Banking services
• Health clubs
• Hotels
• Warehousing facilities

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