This thesis explores the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of the Ahmadi Shopping Centre, Kuwait’s first formal retail establishment, developed in 1961 during the country’s transition from British protectorate to independence. Situated in the company town of Ahmadi, the Centre marked a shift from traditional souks to modern retail environments and was designed to serve the local workforce in Arab Village. Despite its early importance, the Centre faced neglect and threats of demolition, prompting community-led efforts to preserve it as cultural heritage. However, mismanagement and internal corruption within the heritage authorities led to the destruction of key architectural elements, raising broader concerns about the undervaluation of modernist architecture in Kuwait.

This thesis relied on archival records, semi-structured interviews, and oral histories to understand the context surrounding the Ahmadi Shopping Centre. To fully understand the creation of the Centre, British planning procedures within Kuwait Town and Ahmadi were compared; the political influences were placed into context; and the public reception of both the Ahmadi Shopping Centre and the British presence in Ahmadi was examined. This thesis concludes by addressing the current preservation challenges the Centre goes through, its architectural, social, and political significance, outlines its key character-defining elements, and advocates for its adaptive reuse.