LocationsAhmadi: Heritage for the Future
February 1, 2026
Established in the 1940s following the discovery of the Burgan oil field, Al Ahmadi was one of Kuwait’s first planned towns. Developed under the reign of Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah to serve Kuwait Oil Company employees, the town reflected British and American planning influences and marked a defining moment in Kuwait’s early modern history.
Today, as Kuwait advances its national priorities under Vision 2035, protecting sites like Ahmadi helps connect the country’s past with its future; demonstrating how development can progress alongside cultural identity and community life.
A partnership to protect and revive Ahmadi
The “Heritage and Identity for Ahmadi’s Sustainable Development” project is a joint effort led by The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The first phase focuses on documenting Ahmadi’s heritage, mapping key sites, and identifying areas for protection and restoration. This groundwork will inform a future regeneration plan, including the potential revitalization of the Ahmadi market, cine-theater, and other cultural landmarks. The project also engages residents, artists, and young people, encouraging them to take part in protecting Ahmadi’s story and shaping its future.
Celebrating Kuwait’s cultural identity
Preserving Ahmadi’s heritage helps protect an important part of Kuwait’s modern history and strengthens national identity. Its architecture, public spaces, and cultural landmarks reflect a formative period in the country’s development, connecting generations through place, memory, and lived experience. Protecting this heritage helps ensure that Kuwait’s development continues to reflect its values and cultural identity.
Unlocking opportunities through culture
The project also highlights the economic potential of culture. Restoring historic sites such as the Ahmadi souks and cine-theater can attract visitors, support small businesses, and create opportunities for local artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Heritage-led regeneration can make Ahmadi a vibrant cultural destination, that contributes to economic diversification and sustainable growth.
Bringing communities together
At the heart of Ahmadi’s revitalization are its people. The project promotes inclusion, dialogue, and shared ownership of cultural heritage, ensuring that the town’s story is shaped by those connected to it. By placing communities at the center, heritage becomes a living asset, one that strengthens social cohesion, supports local livelihoods, and turns culture into a source of pride and connection
Shaping Ahmadi’s future
The findings from this first phase will guide the design of a comprehensive regeneration plan that restores Ahmadi’s historic sites and creates new spaces for cultural, social, and economic activity.
By protecting Ahmadi today, Kuwait is investing in a future where culture, innovation, and community thrive together, ensuring that the town remains a symbol of the country’s history and its sustainable vision for the years ahead.
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