Municipality unveils key updates on Kuwait modernization plan

• The Shuwaikh Beach will include green spaces, paved floors, recreational areas, and 15,000 square meters of commercial and entertainment spaces.

• The Jahra Waterfront Development Project will support economic diversification by encouraging private sector participation, create job opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability through the cultivation of mangroves.

• The Central Tent Market development in Jahra will span 100,000 square meters, preserving Kuwait’s leadership in the tent market and reviving its cultural heritage.

The Kuwait Municipality has compiled a report on the modernization of the government’s draft action plan, featuring ten key initiatives and updates on their progress, according to Al Anba newspaper.

Eng. Manal Al-Asfoor, the Acting Director General of the Kuwait Municipality, reported to the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs that the implementation of all stages of the Jahra Seafront development project will be completed by 2032, while the final trial operation of the solid waste-to-dry fuel complex, in cooperation with Kuwait Cement Company, will be completed by 2028.

Additionally, the reconstruction and development of the Mubarakiya markets and parking lots project is set for completion by the end of 2025, and the beautification and development of the Shuwaikh Beach waterfront is scheduled for completion in 2025, in preparation for receiving visitors.

Details of the initiatives

Reconstruction and development of the Mubarakiya market, parking lots, and municipal park (a)

The project aims to rebuild the affected areas of the road, reconstruct damaged buildings, and upgrade the infrastructure network. It also involves redeveloping the corridors adjacent to the walls in a heritage style, reflecting the old urban design of the past. The entire area will be reorganized, with all voucher licenses expected to be issued by the end of 2024. Full implementation of the project is slated for completion by the end of 2025.

Reconstruction and development of the Mubarakiya market, parking lots, and municipal park (b) – Development of Mubarakiya

The project aims to enhance the shopping experience in the Al-Mubarakiya Markets area, improve public services, and preserve the area’s historical urban character.Approximately 37,000 m² will be developed into a commercial square, with additional services and public facilities.

The development will include: a heritage-style hotel with 117 rooms, a mosque covering approximately 1,000 m², 848 parking spaces, scattered buildings and shops. The pre-qualification process for the project will begin on 13/10/2024, with the results of the pre-qualification to be announced on 24/3/2025.

The investment company will be awarded the project by the end of 2026, and the implementation phase is scheduled to start in 2027. The project is expected to take four to five years to complete. Coordination with the Kuwait Fire Force on the fire center in the region and with the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs regarding the municipal park will also be required.

Beautification and development of the waterfront of Shuwaikh Beach

A donation from the National Bank of Kuwait will fund the beautification and development of Shuwaikh Beach, including the creation of green spaces, paving, and tiling of floors. The project will also feature an area for games, aerobics, and other facilities, aiming to transform the beach into a popular tourist destination for visitors and families.

The initiative aims to strengthen the economy by establishing 15,000 square meters of commercial and entertainment areas. It will also enhance the waterfront, develop shops to increase state income, and preserve the agricultural and environmental character while promoting recreational and sports activities.

The project will include a 1.8-kilometer running track, green spaces covering 30,000 square meters, and the planting of 2,300 new trees suitable for Kuwait’s climate. Implementation is underway in 2024, with the completion and opening of the beach for visitors expected in 2025.

Jahra Waterfront Development Project (Corniche)

The Jahra Waterfront Development Project aims to transform the waterfront opposite the city of Jaber Al-Ahmad into a diverse tourist, entertainment, and sports area for both residents and visitors. It will support economic diversification by encouraging private sector participation, create job opportunities, and promote environmental sustainability through the cultivation of mangroves.

The project, which will be executed over eight years, is set to begin with the municipal council’s decision in 2024. The call for tenders will be issued to investors in 2025, followed by contract evaluation and the start of design and implementation in 2026. The design and implementation will continue from 2027 to 2031, with the municipal council approving the project components, including an auction for proposals from the private sector.

The educational, cultural, and entertainment centreproject in Abdullah Al-Ahmad Street

The project, located in the Sharq area of the Capital Governorate, spans a total area of 57,098 m² across three plots of land: Plot A (22,872 m²), Plot B (29,526 m²), and Plot C (4,700 m²).

This creative center will establish innovation, art, and entertainment, with notable components such as a three-dimensional dome, a hotel, theaters, cinemas, a virtual reality show, a perfume laboratory, and a bicycle track within the complex.

The project aims to support economic diversification by encouraging private sector participation in the national economy, creating a tourist and entertainment hub, and generating job opportunities. It will also provide suitable spaces for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and meet sustainability standards.

The development will serve as a tourist attraction and promote the role of the private sector in implementing joint projects with the public sector, supporting SMEs, and offering job opportunities for nationals. The project is set to be completed by 2029, with the auction for its implementation to be offered soon.

Inauguration of the complex for converting solid waste into dry fuel in cooperation with Kuwait Cement Company

This project aims to protect the environment and natural resources by reducing the waste of large areas of land used for landfills. It will also provide alternative energy sources through waste-derived fuel, reducing fuel costs, decreasing waste volume, and improving the environmental and health situation. The project is currently under design and processing.

The initiative focuses on economic diversification, supporting private sector participation in infrastructure and environmental development, and reducing land waste.

The project is expected to follow this timeline: in 2024, design work will be completed; in 2025, licenses will be issued, equipment supplied, and the tender for implementation will be issued; in 2026, construction plans will be implemented; in 2027, full implementation will be completed; and in 2028, the project will enter trial operation, followed by its final launch.

Establishment of the Central Tent Market

In line with the state’s directives for privatization and encouraging private sector involvement in development and urban projects, the State of Kuwait has launched the Central Tent Market development project. Located in Jahra Governorate on Salmi Road, the market will span a total area of 100,000 square meters.

The project aims to preserve Kuwait’s leadership in the tent market while reviving the cultural heritage tied to Kuwaiti society, particularly the traditions of “the people of the Badia.”

It will focus on tents and related goods, integrating sustainability standards and smart systems to create an attractive, year-round environment for touring, shopping, education, and entertainment.

The project targets financial sustainability, economic diversification, and the development of human capital and social welfare. It will also focus on infrastructure, entertainment, sports, and culture. Key indicators include achieving global sustainability standards as outlined by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development, energy efficiency, diversification of commercial activities, recreational offerings for youth, and a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Advisory studies for the project are expected to be completed between 2024-2025, with project implementation set to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2028.

The project will include an area of 58,952.41 m² for initial rental spaces, 121,782.55 m² of public areas, and a total construction area of 180,734.96 m². The project will also undergo municipal council approval and legal reviews before implementation.

The construction of the Red Palace Village

As part of Kuwait’s vision for 2035 and the revitalization of its national heritage, the Project Development Department has planned the construction of the Red Palace Village.

Located adjacent to the historically significant Red Palace in Jahra, the project will feature a park and heritage market designed to reflect the architectural features of Kuwaiti history, inspired by the atmosphere of the Mubarakiya markets.

The village will integrate civilizational squares, diverse activities, and urban elements, while preserving agricultural land to create a distinctive landmark for the surrounding community. The project is situated on land adjacent to the Red Palace, spanning an estimated area of 470,000 m².

The announcement of qualified investors to bid on the project will take place in 2024, followed by the signing of the contract with the winning bidder and the commencement of project design work in 2025. The implementation phase is set to begin in 2026, with ongoing monitoring of the work through 2027.

Construction of sanitary backfill site for municipal solid waste

This project involves the design and implementation of a sanitary backfill site for municipal solid waste in the Kabd area, following international environmental and technical standards for waste reception, sorting, and backfilling. The aim is to control gases and leachate, collecting them safely to maximize their beneficial use.

The project is currently in the phases of land development, infrastructure setup, and environmental management, aiming to reduce land waste depletion and provide areas currently used for waste backfilling. It also aligns with the goals of development and economic diversification. The initiative’s start and completion date is set for April 8, 2024.

The Municipal Council has issued Decision No. (MB/169/2002) to approve the allocation of a site for waste treatment, utilization, and backfilling facilities. The preparatory phase for offering procedures is set to be completed by 2024, with implementation following in multiple stages.

Phases 1 to 7 will be carried out in 2025, while phases 8 to 10 are scheduled for 2026, along with phases 11 to 19. The initial project delivery is expected in 2027, with final delivery scheduled for 2028. The project will be funded by the government, with an estimated total cost of KD 1,200,000.

Ten specific municipal initiatives

1. Reconstruction of the area affected by the Al-Mubarakiya market fire.
2. Development of the Mubarakiya markets area, including its parking lots and municipal park.
3. Beautification and development of the ShuwaikhBeach waterfront.
4. Development of the Jahra Waterfront (Corniche).
5. Educational, cultural, and entertainment center project on Abdullah Al-Ahmad Street.
6. Inauguration of the complex for converting solid waste into dry fuel, in cooperation with Kuwait Cement Company.
7. Maximizing non-oil revenues.
8. Promoting integrity, transparency, and equal opportunities.
9. Enhancing administrative and governmental efficiency.
10. Digital transformation in the provision of municipal services.