A decade ago, Firdous cinema was a landmark, a meeting spot and one of the most visited family destinations in Sharq. Every weekend, tickets would be sold out for the latest Bollywood and Arabic films. When you sat inside, you always sensed that you were a part of a much bigger community.
Now, more than 10 years later, the 77-storey Al-Hamra Tower stands in its place and recently opened its doors to the public. Apart from boasting a luxury mall with several branded stores, Al-Hamra is also waiting to unveil their 10-screen cinema multiplex with IMAX theatres as well. It is yet to be seen if they will become more famous than Firdous cinemas but one thing is for sure - they won't be selling their tickets at 250 fils like Firdous.
Sharq represents what the entire country is going through: a monumental stage of development, quick and speedy change. The pace of expansion is so fast that every six months, you can surely spot a new construction coming up, promising another gigantic tower in this once sleepy suburb. The after-effects of these changes are yet to be seen. Change is certainly good, but how long does it take to have the opposite effect - not only in Sharq but also all of Kuwait?
Joseph D'Souza Manager of Mitsui & Co Kuwait has lived here more than 30 years. He says "Sharq was the most coveted residential area in Kuwait during the early 1970′s. After 2000, it has transformed into a dynamic commercial district in Kuwait. With the addition of several multibillion-dollar buildings for both commercial and residential purposes such as the prestigious Al-Hamra Tower, this area is up for more tremendous changes".
Even with the numerous developments, the history of this area is rich in the traditional aspects. In the early 60s, Sharq was the centre of Kuwait and the heart of the merchant community. During that time, the district stretched from where Bneid-Al-Gar is now today till the Seef Palace which is now at the centre of Kuwait City. Hilal Fajhan Almurairi one of the richest men in the history of Kuwait lived here and helped Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah during the hard times of World War II. Over the years, Sharq has been home to some of the most prominent families in Kuwait. Today, the area still is home to the famous Dasman Palace and many of the destroyed remnants of the Palace are still visible and are a stark reminder of Kuwait's invasion.
"Many changes have taken place due to expansion in population and businesses but it has always maintained its allure due to preservation efforts. This has reflected positively on the shape Sharq is taking today," said Safa Al-Hashem MD and political activist, whose ancestors have all originated from Sharq.
There are several preservation efforts happening in the area. The old American Hospital (which was once part of the old Sharq area) has been restored in recent years and is now a museum. Other efforts greatly help the community such as the new 'Hope: School for special needs'. The school used to be an abandoned building for several years after the Liberation. Over the last few years, it has been rebuilt and is now a striving school helping mentally-challenged children of all ages.
Change is normal for any district, especially for one in Kuwait but the rate of change is staggering when examined. The skyline has gone from having just two or three skyscrapers to now having more than 20. With the new business city opening up, that number is said to increase. These changes in infrastructure have impacted the residents as well. Many complain of inadequate living space in the new buildings and some poorly maintained and built facilities. There has also been a drastic increase in the rents of both the older and newer buildings in the area without providing anything new or adequate. Traffic was never a problem here as well but now it is common to be stuck on the same road for long periods of time during peak hours. This has made living difficult especially for people who have recently shifted to the area and has forced Sharq from becoming a thriving residential district to a more business-oriented one where many of the long time residents have left. Yet these issues are common for many citizens all around in Kuwait and many hope that there will be improvements sooner rather than later.
People who come to Sharq love its quiet, peaceful nature and the fact that though it is far from other crowded areas, it is still close to the integral hotspots. Monica Fernandes is another long-time resident of the community and her travel agency recently shifted to Sharq. "Sharq has always been a sophisticated suburb in Kuwait City. I'm grateful that everything I need and all the facilities are just a stone's throw away. The lovely view of Kuwait Towers and the sea gives a feeling of comfort and beauty which can't be felt in other places of the country. Hopefully it will continue to develop in the right direction with sleeker constructions and stores".
Sharq will continue to impress and provide the best that Kuwait has to offer. There may be a few hiccups along the way but people are optimistic that it's all for the best. Change is a difficult situation to adjust to but quiet Sharq remains committed to improving the infrastructure and development of Kuwait while staying true to its roots
© Kuwait Times 2012
