KUWAIT CITY, Dec 5: In a surprising move, the local municipality, has issued a directive instructing all shops to dismantle and pack away Christmas decorations, bringing an unexpected halt to festive preparations in the city.

The announcement has left expats and shopkeepers perplexed, as the directive means a sudden end to the vibrant and joyous Christmas atmosphere that typically envelops the city at this time of year. Businesses and individuals alike were gearing up for the holiday season, with storefronts adorned with festive lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees. The municipality's decision has sparked a mix of disappointment and confusion among residents, who were looking forward to the festive spirit after a challenging year.

Local shop owners, who had invested time and resources into creating attractive Christmas displays, now find themselves scrambling to comply with the directive. The removal of decorations has become an urgent task, disrupting normal business operations during a crucial sales period. While there is no official statement from Baladiya explaining the decision, city residents are hoping for clarity soon.

Kuwait has been experiencing a ban on selling Christmas decorations in shops due to opposition from some citizens who claim that such decorations are incompatible with Kuwait’s religion, customs, and traditions. Last year the management committee of Avenues Mall, one of the biggest shopping centers in the country, removed a huge Christmas tree that had been put up inside the mall after citizens complained to the Kuwait Municipality about it. The ban on Christmas decorations in Kuwait is not unique, as many other countries, including some Muslim-majority countries, do not officially recognize Christmas as a public holiday.