By: Salman Almutairi\r\nKUWAIT, Aug 19 (KUNA) — Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Al-Ahmadi, stated on Tuesday that the restoration of the historic Al-Ahmadi Market and Al-Ahmadi Cinema underscores Kuwait’s dedication to protecting its cultural heritage. He expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Council of Ministers, as well as the Ministries of Information and Oil, and other involved institutions.\n\nSpeaking after the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) signed the project supervision agreement, Sheikh Hamoud Al-Sabah explained that the initiative follows Cabinet Resolution No. (927) issued on July 8, 2025.\n\nAhmad Al-Aidan, CEO of KOC, said the company’s involvement reflects its national and social responsibility in conserving Kuwait’s historical legacy and advancing sustainable development. He outlined that the four-year project will proceed in stages, aiming to deliver a comprehensive development that enhances the nation’s reputation.\n\nDr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, described the rehabilitation of the old market and cinema as one of the most significant heritage initiatives in the governorate. He mentioned that partial operation of certain buildings is expected to begin next year, with subsequent phases—Zone 2 and Zone 3—leading toward full and sustainable functionality.\n\nAl-Jassar added that the project demonstrates Kuwait’s resolve to preserve its architectural history and elevate Al-Ahmadi as a cultural and civilizational hub, supporting ongoing efforts to include the city on the UNESCO World Heritage List.\n\nEngineer Batool Ashour, Architect and Development Project Manager at the Al-Ahmadi Cultural Platform within the Council, said the initiative documents a pivotal moment in launching a modern, integrated cultural, social, and heritage-centered urban project.\n\nShe emphasized collaboration with experts and Kuwaiti governmental institutions, noting that the Council’s responsibilities include assessing the historical significance of structures and planning museum components.\n\nAshour confirmed that the Council reached out to the United Nations and UNESCO two years ago to initiate the nomination of Al-Ahmadi City due to its notable historical buildings. A site visit by representatives from these organizations has already occurred as a preliminary step in the nomination process. (end)\n— news from Kuwait News Agency\n\n— News Original —\nAl-Ahmadi Governor: restoring Al-Ahmadi historical sites preserves Kuwait’s cultural identity\nBy: Salman Almutairi r nKUWAIT, Aug 19 (KUNA) — Al-Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah affirmed on Tuesday, that the project to restore the old Al-Ahmadi Market and Al-Ahmadi Cinema reflects Kuwait’s keenness to preserve its heritage and cultural identity, appreciating the support of the esteemed Council of Ministers, the Ministers of Information and Oil, and all relevant entities. nSheikh Hamoud Al-Sabah told KUNA, following the signing of the supervision agreement for the implementation of the project between the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), that the initiative comes in implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. (927) issued on July 8, 2025. nFor his part, the CEO of KOC, Ahmad Al-Aidan, told KUNA that the company’s participation in this project stems from its national and social role in preserving Kuwaiti heritage and promoting sustainable development. nHe explained that the work on this project will span four years and will be carried out in phases, aiming to implement an integrated project that will elevate the name of the country. nMeanwhile, Secretary-General of NCCAL, Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, said that the restoration and rehabilitation project of the old Al-Ahmadi Market and Al-Ahmadi Cinema is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the governorate. r nHe indicated that partial operation of some buildings will begin next year, with work progressing through the following stages (Zone 2 and Zone 3) toward full and sustainable operation. nAl-Jassar added that the project reflects Kuwait’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage and enhancing Al-Ahmadi’s status as a cultural and civilizational landmark, supporting efforts to nominate Al-Ahmadi City for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. nIn turn, the Architect and Development Project Manager at the Al-Ahmadi Cultural Platform within the Council, Engineer Batool Ashour, told KUNA that the project represents documentation of a phase that marks the beginning of a comprehensive cultural, social, and heritage city project in a modern form. r nThis is being achieved through collaboration with experts, specialists, and the support of official Kuwaiti institutions, she noted, stating that one of the Council’s roles is to determine the historical value of the buildings, as well as to assess museums and other components. r nShe noted that the Council had contacted the UN and UNESCO two years ago to nominate the city of Al-Ahmadi for its historical buildings and landmarks. r nA visit to the city by representatives of these organizations has already taken place as a step preceding the nomination. 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