Souq Al-Mubarakiya is a historic souq in Kuwait City, Kuwait.[1] It is one of the oldest souqs in Kuwait, and was a center of trade prior to the discovery of oil.
This popular traditional market is located in Kuwait City, between Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Abdullah Al-Salem & Palestine Streets. This market has been around for at least 200 years. The market was damaged during the Iraqi invasion in 1990; however, it was renovated and it got back its traditional flavor.
Vendors sell goods such as Persian silk carpets, antiques, perfumes like musk and oud, gold and silver jewelry, and traditional costumes. Other goods sold at Al-Mubarakiya include dates, honey, spices, sweets, vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. The market also hosts two small museums: Sheikh Mubarak Kiosk and the first pharmacy in Kuwait. Admission is free.[citation needed]
There is a courtyard near Masjid Al-Bahar (Sea Mosque) with traditional cafes that brew tea over coals, and several small restaurants serve authentic Arab and Persian food to the customers in the open air. On hot summer days, water mist is sprayed from pipes over the tables to cool visitors down. A children playground is nearby and shisha is also available.
On 31 March 2022, the market was damaged by a massive fire that destroyed most of the shops.[2]
