In the Mubarakiya markets, the smell of barbecue wafted from popular restaurants, while some Kuwaiti families sat around dinner tables despite the harsh summer heat. Meters away, carts loaded with suitcases were heading towards the parking lots, in a scene that reflects the return of demand for summer vacations after months of anticipation.
At Kuwait International Airport, traffic returned to about 190 flights per day, after a period in which travel was affected as a result of regional conditions. As for the sea, amateur fishing and marine excursion boats returned to plying the waters after months of security restrictions and precautionary measures.
Read also
list of 4 itemsend of list
Kuwait did not stop during the war, but today it breathes differently.
Markets are regaining movement
During a tour of Al-Mubarakiya Market, Al Jazeera Net observed the return of scenes that were absent or declined during the past 100 days, most notably the growing demand for purchasing travel bags and supplies with the start of the summer vacation season.
One of the leather bag tailors told Al Jazeera Net that the demand for purchasing travel bags has improved in recent days, and he expects an increase in demand with the end of the current school year, and the start of Kuwaiti and expatriate families traveling to spend holidays outside the country.
On the other hand, some merchants of perfumes and food products in the market believe that the buying and selling activity is still below its usual peak, in light of the continuation of high school exams and many families waiting for the completion of their academic obligations before making the decision to travel.
Speaking about importing food commodities, he pointed out: Mjbil Al-Shatli Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sabah Al-Salem Suburb Cooperative Society pointed out that the import of goods is still by land via Saudi Arabia despite the signing of the agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran.
He told Al Jazeera Net that the import movement by land affects the prices of goods, at a time when the ports have not yet returned to supply food commodities as they were before the war.
In turn, Treasurer of the Mishrif Cooperative Society, Abdul Mohsen Al-Mousa, expressed his hope that a breakthrough would occur soon after the signing of the agreement between Iran and America.
He pointed out in an interview with Al Jazeera Net that there are some delays in the arrival of goods and high transportation and insurance fees for goods arriving by land, stressing that importing goods and commodities by sea will reduce prices.
Oil is at the heart of the scene
Although the agreement carried political and security dimensions, its economic repercussions seem more important for Kuwait as a country that relies mainly on oil exports.
Oil expert Dr. Talal Al-Bathali told Al-Jazeera Net that the agreement will reflect positively on all countries of the region, because it will restore the smooth movement of oil tankers and commercial shipping after months of tension and bottlenecks that affected markets and supply chains.
He added that the commitment of the United States and Iran to the terms of the agreement would enhance stability in global energy markets, expecting oil prices to decline to levels ranging between $60 and $65 per barrel in the coming months, if calm continues in the region.
Al-Bathali points out that Kuwait has returned to its normal production levels within the framework of its commitments with OPEC, stressing that the stability of navigation in the Gulf is directly reflected in the movement of oil exports and the regional economy.
He believes that the recent crisis revealed the importance of thinking about alternatives and additional routes for oil shipping, not for Kuwait alone but for all countries in the region, in a way that enhances the security of supplies and limits the impact of any future disturbances on energy markets.
Return travel plans
In the travel sector, tourism companies and reservation offices have begun to notice a gradual increase in demand for summer trips, especially towards Gulf and Arab destinations, in addition to other international destinations.
Acting Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Eng. Duaij Al-Otaibi, confirmed that Kuwait International Airport succeeded in overcoming the repercussions left by the “sinful Iranian aggression” and gradually returned to advanced operating levels.
He explained in media statements that air traffic is witnessing a noticeable improvement, as the number of incoming and departing flights has reached about 190 flights per day, with a large number of airlines being allowed to resume and operate their flights.
Kuwaiti citizen Hussein Al-Failakawi told Al-Jazeera Net that many families have begun to prefer land travel to the Gulf countries during the current period, whether due to geographical proximity or the desire to avoid the high costs of long flights.
He points out that the relative stability has encouraged many families to rearrange their summer vacation plans after a period of hesitation and anticipation.
With the increase in the number of travelers, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health announced the allocation of 8 traveler safety clinics in various health regions, with the aim of enhancing health awareness and providing preventive guidance before travel.
The sea returns to its activity
Indicators of the return to normal life were not limited to markets and travel only, but also extended to maritime activities.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior allowed amateur fishing and marine pleasure boats to sail around the clock without prohibitive hours, in a step that reflects the return of movement to the sea after a period in which regional conditions imposed additional precautionary measures.
“We thank God” for returning to the sea during the summer vacation season after stopping due to security conditions, said the young Kuwaiti Abdul Wahab Al-Muza’il when he spoke about the decision to return amateur fishing and sea excursions without restrictions.
He told Al Jazeera Net that this decision, as positive as it is for young hunting enthusiasts, confirms that Kuwait is a city of security and safety thanks to its men and thanks to the front rows of the nation’s protectors, whom we thank for what they provided during that period and what they provide for our country.
A calmer mood
Among the suitcases in Mubarakiya, the flights that returned to Kuwait Airport, and the fishing boats that returned to the sea, signs of calm seem more present than the scenes of anxiety that characterized the past months.
While Kuwaitis await the reflection of stability in prices and the movement of trade, many believe that the first gain has already been achieved with the return of daily life to its normal course without tension or anxiety.
