In a step that reflects Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to develop its infrastructure and improve the urban landscape, seven government agencies have completed the preparation of the “Guide for Regulating the Construction of Car Park Shades in Kuwait.”
The new guide serves as a unified reference for the design and implementation of car park canopies in public facilities, including cooperative societies, schools, mosques, clinics, health centers, and hospitals.
Government sources told Al-Rai that the guide aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to enhance the country’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring safety and quality standards in canopy construction. It aligns with the state’s vision for an integrated and sustainable urban environment.
A specialized committee had earlier been formed to develop unified specifications and standards, and the completed guide has now been submitted to the Public Services Committee in the Council of Ministers for approval and adoption across Kuwait.
Following the committee’s submission, the Cabinet tasked the Ministry of Social Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Kuwait Municipality, to review the guide and explore the potential use of solar-powered car park umbrellas where technically feasible. The move prioritizes renewable energy solutions in public projects.
The Cabinet also emphasized that all government bodies must adhere strictly to the approved designs and specifications outlined in the guide. Each entity will be responsible for constructing its own car park shades within designated boundaries, ensuring that structures do not encroach onto streets or violate public space regulations.
To enhance public understanding of the initiative, the Ministry of Social Affairs was instructed, in coordination with the Ministry of Information and other relevant authorities, to launch a nationwide awareness campaign.
The campaign will explain the objectives and benefits of the guide and encourage community awareness about the importance of organized, visually cohesive parking spaces across Kuwait.
It is noteworthy that the Cabinet had previously issued a decision in October of last year assigning the Minister of Social Affairs, in coordination with the Ministries of Public Works, Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Education, and Health, along with Kuwait Municipality and the Union of Cooperative Societies, to establish unified standards for car park shades in mosques, schools, and cooperative societies.
The new regulatory guide confirms that the goal of standardizing canopy designs is to improve the overall aesthetic of urban and service areas while facilitating vehicle movement and providing shade and protection from extreme heat.
The guide also sets forth technical and design criteria, requiring the use of durable, weather-resistant materials and the inclusion of effective rainwater drainage and ventilation systems. It further mandates that designs harmonize with the surrounding environment in color and form, contributing to a unified visual identity for each district.
Officials explained that the guide emphasizes the use of sustainable, color-coordinated materials that align with Kuwait’s urban identity, provide ultraviolet protection, and enhance the overall quality of life in public spaces.
The regulatory document also outlines a comprehensive approval and monitoring process, requiring engineering firms to oversee project execution in coordination with Kuwait Municipality.
Site inspections will be conducted to ensure full compliance with design and safety standards. The Municipality will retain the right to remove any unlicensed or non-compliant canopy, while contractors and engineering offices will be held responsible for adherence to specifications and environmental requirements.
Ultimately, the “Guide for Regulating the Construction of Car Park Shades” represents a major step toward unifying urban design practices in Kuwait and ensuring that all public facilities contribute to a modern, safe, and sustainable cityscape.
