By Mahmoud Zakaria

The ministry of information has revitalized Youm Al-Bahhar heritage village, located on Gulf Road, showcasing it in a new and appealing architectural style. This village is a significant part of Kuwait’s maritime heritage and a shared cultural asset among GCC countries, offering a glimpse into the traditions of Kuwait’s seafaring past and preserving its cultural wealth.

The village provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience 19th-century life, recreating the reality of Kuwait’s historical maritime lifestyle. As part of the third phase of the Shuwaikh Beach project, the village spans 5,000 square meters and stands as a prominent landmark rebuilt to reflect traditional Kuwaiti architecture.

The concept of the village originated in 1986 when it first opened with a wide area along Kuwait’s coastline. It featured shops showcasing maritime traditions, built with simple, recycled materials, and displayed Kuwait’s cultural and historical legacy. The village remained active until the Iraqi invasion in 1990.

Following liberation, the Kuwait Municipality reconstructed the village, reopening it in the mid-1990s. Shops were allocated to elderly artisans and practitioners of traditional Kuwaiti crafts.

Now overseen by the ministry of information, the village holds a special place in the hearts of Kuwaitis, serving as a bridge between generations. It educates the younger population about their ancestors’ customs and traditions, while also displaying historical artifacts, ship replicas, fishing tools, old chests, and palm-frond fans.

The village showcases more than old ships — it also revives nearly extinct professions. Artisans work in shops to preserve and demonstrate traditional Kuwaiti trades such as shipbuilding (qalaf), weaving (sadu), crafting traditional games, and copperwork. Visitors can also find shops selling old Kuwaiti clothing and other handmade heritage items.

The village includes facilities for all visitors, including a playground for children, a food and beverage court serving traditional dishes, a heritage museum, numerous shops for selling and displaying heritage items, parking spaces, electric karts to transport visitors from parking areas to the village and special seating for individuals with disabilities.

The village is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm throughout the year. It hosts weekly and seasonal events, including radio and television programs, children’s competitions, exhibitions and school field trips. Annual celebrations such as Girgian during Ramadan, as well as National Day and Eid festivals, are also held in the village, drawing significant public participation.

Youm Al-Bahhar heritage village offers a nostalgic journey into Kuwait’s rich past while serving as a vibrant hub for cultural events, traditional crafts and family activities.