Jileeb Al-Shiyukh جليب الشيوخ Jilīb l-iŠyūkh | |
|---|---|
Jleeb's Skyline.The tower in back isAl Hamra Tower | |
| Etymology: lit.Sheikhs' Well | |
| Nicknames: Abbasiya (Block 4) and Hasawi (Block 2 and 3) | |
![]() Interactive map outlining Jilīb l-iŠyūkh | |
| Coordinates:29°16′0″N47°56′0″E / 29.26667°N 47.93333°E /29.26667; 47.93333 Jilīb l-iŠyūkh on Kuwait's Official GIS Maps | |
| Country | Kuwait |
| Governorate | Farwaniya Governorate |
| Block | 5 |
| Area | |
• Total | 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 60 m (200 ft) |
| Population (June 2024)[2] | |
• Total | 266,883 |
| • Density | 27,000/km2 (69,000/sq mi) |
| Time zone | GMT+3 |
| Electoral Circle | 4th |
| Co-Op Society | Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Co-Op Society |
| Location | Block 4 |
| Chair | Thāmir Radin l-iMṭēri[3] |
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh orJileeb Al-Shiyukh (Gulf Arabic:جليب الشيوخ,pronounced[d͡ʒɪliːblɪʃjuːχ]), often shortened to justJilīb/Jileeb (الجليب), is one of the oldest and most congested areas inKuwait. It is located withinFarwaniya Governorate and bordersKuwait International Airport. It is largely inhabited byexpatriates from countries such asIndia,Pakistan,Bangladesh,Sri Lanka,Egypt andSyria. There are even manyDawoodi Bohras residing in Jleeb-Al-Shuyoukh
The termjilībجليب is aKuwaiti Arabic term that means (water)well, whereasShyūkh شيوخ is the Arabicplural forsheikh. The area was named after a water well that was dug by two of Kuwait'sEmirMubarak The Great's brothers.
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh has a rich history, reflecting the broader socio-economic changes in Kuwait. Originally a predominantly Kuwaiti area, it saw a demographic shift as expatriates moved in for work opportunities. Over the years, the area has grown to accommodate a diverse population, leading to its current state as a densely populated neighborhood.[4][5][circular reference][6][7]
As of June 2024, the population of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh was estimated to be 266,883, with a population density of 27,000 per square kilometer. The majority of residents are expatriates from South Asia and the Middle East. The high population density has led to several social and infrastructural challenges.[8]
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh is characterized by its crowded streets, old buildings, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite being one of the oldest areas, it lacks modern amenities and adequate public services. The following are key facilities and infrastructure in the area:
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh hosts several schools, primarily catering to the expatriate community. Notable schools include:
The area has limited healthcare facilities, with a few clinics and pharmacies catering to the large population. The lack of adequate healthcare services is a significant concern for residents.
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh has a large population that utilizes the public transport systems run by the Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC), Citybus (a Boodai group subsidiary), and KGL Transportation. The area is flanked by major roads such as the Ghazali Expressway and the 6th Ring Road and is less than 5 km from Kuwait International Airport. Taxis are widely available, and fares are typically pre-bargained.[10]
Iblis Roundabout orThe Devil's Roundabout is a roundabout in Jilīb that has caused controversy and amusement inKuwait. The roundabout is notorious for alleged illegal activities, though some dispute this classification and claim activities there are more innocuous than portrayed.[11][12]