For over 70 years, Souq Al-Hareem has stood not just as a hub of trade and tradition, but as a living tribute to Kuwaiti women — those who transformed its alleys into spaces of resilience, resourcefulness and lasting legacy. Today, those stories are brought to life once again through Seet Al-Harayer, a cultural initiative held from April 15 to 19 at Souq Al-Mubarakiya, running from 5 to 10 pm. The event features several women-led Kuwaiti projects highlighting traditional handicrafts, artisanal creations and locally made products.
One artist helping to bring that narrative to life is Sohaila Al-Ateya, whose textile artwork pays tribute to Kuwaiti women through pieces crafted from discarded fabric. Her current collection — on display as part of the initiative — comprises around 10 textile panels, each narrating a forgotten chapter in women’s lives. “She wasn’t just a homemaker,” Al-Ateya said. “She was a tailor, an educator, a caretaker, a businesswoman. She supported her husband and raised a generation.”
Souq Al-Hareem has long been a source of inspiration for Al-Ateya’s creativity. “All my beautiful memories are from that neighborhood,” she recalled. “I remember how women used to wear the abaya, the burqa or the boshiya. Everything we needed — our daily clothes, beauty items like kohl and derim — came from this place.”









These items, now considered vintage, were once cherished symbols of beauty and self-care, passed down through generations. At a time when tourism and entertainment were scarce, the souq became a cherished escape. “We didn’t have many places to go,” she said. “So this was our little world, filled with the scent of history.”
The initiative is held under the patronage of Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, Chairwoman of the Kuwait Voluntary Work Center, and was inaugurated by Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah with the participation and attendance of several prominent figures. Among them was Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, who commented: “This historic market is a cornerstone of Kuwaiti women’s economic independence. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant space that reflects the scientific and creative progress of Kuwaiti products, now proudly standing alongside the finest in the world.”







‘Souq Al-Hareem is our livelihood’
One of the women whose life has been shaped by the souq is Um Hussein, a vendor who has owned a booth in Souq Al-Hareem since 2008. “I’m a widow with five children. This souq is what feeds me and my family. We live off our work and have no other source of income,” she said. Um Hussein sells traditional garments for school events and special occasions like Girgian, a beloved children’s celebration during Ramadan.
“Selling isn’t like before,” she admitted. “In the past, it was just us, the original vendors. Now there’s competition everywhere.” Unlike mass-market shops, she emphasizes that vendors at Souq Al-Hareem value authenticity and craftsmanship. “We don’t buy ready-made clothes like others,” she says. “We pick the fabric ourselves and take it to the tailor to be stitched. That’s how it’s always been.” With quiet pride, she added, “People may try to imitate us, but we’re the original. We were here before the malls and fancy shops.”
Despite the transformations that have reshaped the souq, Um Hussein remains steadfast in preserving its spirit. “We had our own little corners — every woman had her chair, her setup. Things are different now; new people came, and some of the old faces left.”