Kuwait Municipality has started removing street and road name signs and replacing them with numerical identifiers, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 666 issued during its 19/2025 meeting, marking a major shift in the country’s urban naming system.

The move is being implemented by municipal teams following a ministerial decision approved in November by Abdul Latif Al-Mashari, which calls for the cancellation of names for 591 main and secondary streets and roads.

These will be replaced with numbers, while 66 street names will be retained and three others will be renamed after Arab cities and capitals., reports Al-Qabas daily.

The decision stems from recommendations approved by the Municipal Council during an extraordinary session held on October 19, based on the findings of a specialized committee formed under Ministerial Resolution No. 558 of 2023. The committee reviewed proposals related to naming cities, suburbs, districts, streets, and public squares.

As part of the reform, regulations governing naming conventions have also been updated. Cities, suburbs, and districts will no longer be named after individuals, except for those who have served as Emir or Crown Prince of Kuwait. Meanwhile, streets and public spaces may still bear the names of rulers, heads of state from friendly and neighboring countries, prominent historical figures, and select members of the ruling family.

The revised rules also allow naming after countries, cities, and capitals based on reciprocal arrangements, while preserving certain existing names that do not reference individuals.

However, the broader policy signals a clear shift toward a standardized numbering system, with authorities moving away from traditional naming practices for most streets, roads, and squares.

Officials say the change aims to improve organization, navigation, and urban planning across Kuwait, as the country continues to modernize its infrastructure and administrative systems.