Kuwait Municipality Director General Manal Al-Osfour confirmed that the newly issued amendments to special building requirements and specifications apply exclusively to buildings in Service Sector Area 16 (formerly known as the Free Zone).

In an official statement, Al-Osfour clarified that recent media reports about the ministerial decision concerning service sector building specifications (Area 16) do not include Al-Shuwaikh and Al-Rai areas.

Key Amendments Include:

• Maintaining the existing 150% building coverage ratio for service plots

• Allowing multiple basement levels in buildings

• Permitting hotel construction under specified conditions

Administrative Changes:
Capital Governorate Branch Director and Building Regulations Committee Chair Mohammed Al-Mutairi explained:

• Jurisdiction of the former Free Zone has been transferred to the Public Authority for Industry

• The area has been renamed "Service Sector Area 16"

• Now classified as a multi-service zone under Al-Shuwaikh and Al-Rai's commercial/artisanal service regulations

Updated Building Specifications (Area 16 Only):

• Maximum 130% building ratio (unchanged from previous regulations)

• Maximum three floors (ground + mezzanine + first)

• Minimum 100m² for shops/showrooms in ground/mezzanine/basement levels

• Minimum 150m² for offices in ground/mezzanine levels

• Increased café/restaurant allocation from 5% to 10%

• New allowance for basement storage facilities

• Mandatory on-site parking provisions

Permitted Commercial Activities:
The ministerial decision by State Minister for Municipal Affairs Abdullatif Al-Mishari specifies allowed commercial units in Area 16:

• Administrative offices

• Retail shops and showrooms

• Banking services (commercial bank branches)

• Health clubs

• Hotels

• Complementary support facilities (including warehouses)