The newspapers have published the news about the proposal by the municipal council members to establish an independent municipality for Kuwait City. Dr. Sharifa Al-Shalfan, Eng. Farah Al-Roumi and Eng. Abdullatif Al-Dai submitted a proposal to establish an independent municipality for Kuwait City. This municipality would have a separate budget and particular organizational structure that adheres to the municipality’s regulations with the aim of raising the level of services offered. This is an excellent proposal that could contribute to the dismantling of government centralization and potentially serve as a first step in establishing more independent municipalities in all governorates, including the new cities like Al-Mutla’a, Saad Al-Abdullah, Sabah Al-Ahmad, and others.

People are often motivated to care for their cities due to the spiritual connection that binds them to the historic town. Nostalgia drives them to envision a positive, idealized past. Some elders and professionals people reminisce about the picturesque history of Kuwait City, recalling its walls, houses, ferjan, markets, beaches, seas, and other aspects of pre-oil social life. Specialists are working to leverage these features to shape the modern and future vision of Kuwait City while preserving the remaining historical monuments.

However, a major obstacle to this trend is that most citizens are not inclined to return to the old city’s image. Many who lived before the oil era appreciate the comforts of modernity, such as private vehicles, modern homes, residential suburbs, and amenities. The younger generation, on the other hand, has limited knowledge of the pre-oil era, often exposed to superficial glimpses of the past, through media or educational curricula. Media stereotypes about neighboring regional cities with their high-rise towers, highways, and architectural landmarks influence perceptions.

Furthermore, the systematic destruction of historic Kuwait City is irreversible. The city has been depopulated, erasing its original urban fabric, with the majority of its old buildings being demolished and replaced with modern facilities. Additionally, the completion of the First Ring Road Project further divided the city into two and dismantled its already fragmented fabric.

Kuwait City, as the capital, remains essential, serving as the nucleus of the state, the center of governance, and a hub of commercial activities. To salvage what remains and steer urban development in the right direction, the following steps should be taken:

• Promote the preservation of Kuwait City as a historical site with spiritual significance even though few physical artifacts remain.
• To undertake small-scale interventions and urban experiments to improve the city’s-built environment, serving as pilot studies for replication.
• Initiate the revitalization of the city by encouraging different segments of society to reside within its limits. A thriving city with permanent residents will foster interest in the place and create a vibrant environment round the clock.
• The establishment of the Kuwait City Municipality will undoubtedly contribute to the city’s development. It would concentrate efforts, define responsibilities, and streamline the complex bureaucracy complexities. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Municipal Council for this valuable proposal.