Gulf mega-projects surge as Kuwait crosses $220 billion mark and Saudi Arabia storms past $2 trillion
As Saudi Arabia races ahead with trillion-dollar ambitions and the UAE and Oman gain momentum, the Gulf is entering a new phase of mega-scale competition, accelerated execution, and strategic economic transformation — with Kuwait firmly back in the game
The Gulf’s project landscape is accelerating at a historic pace, with Kuwait’s pipeline of planned and ongoing developments surging to $220.9 billion, up from $195 billion in 2024, according to a new report by Kamco Invest.
The jump reflects renewed momentum in infrastructure, energy, real estate, and public-sector investment, positioning Kuwait for a more assertive development cycle.
Across the region, Saudi Arabia has tightened its grip on the crown, leading Gulf markets with an extraordinary $2.05 trillion in planned and ongoing projects, compared to $1.91 trillion in 2024, Al-Anba daily reports.
The Kingdom’s project boom continues to be driven by Vision 2030 megaprojects, urban transformation schemes, tourism hubs, and large-scale industrial expansion.
The United Arab Emirates secured second place, with project values soaring to $1.14 trillion, a dramatic rise from $878.3 billion the previous year. The increase underscores the UAE’s aggressive push in real estate, transport, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
Oman emerged as one of the fastest climbers, with planned and ongoing projects jumping to $333.3 billion, up from $248.1 billion in 2024. The Sultanate’s rise reflects major investments in logistics, ports, energy diversification, and tourism-led development.
Qatar ranked fourth, with project values reaching $251.6 billion, compared to $237.3 billion in the previous year, supported by continued infrastructure upgrades and long-term national development initiatives.
Bahrain was the only market to record a decline, with planned and ongoing projects easing to $52.1 billion, down from $62.7 billion in 2024, indicating a more cautious development stance amid fiscal recalibration.
On the fiscal front, Kamco Invest’s report delivered an upbeat outlook for public finances across the region. The firm expects Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) budgets to post combined surpluses of $23.1 billion in 2026, up from projected surpluses of $19.6 billion in 2025.
The improving surplus outlook reflects stronger oil revenues, tighter spending controls, and expanding non-oil income streams, providing governments with greater flexibility to fund strategic projects without compromising fiscal stability.
For Kuwait, the rise to over $220 billion in projects signals more than just numbers. It points to an inflection point in development planning, with opportunities opening across construction, contracting, finance, logistics, and services — and a clear message that the country is reasserting itself on the regional investment map.
As Saudi Arabia races ahead with trillion-dollar ambitions and the UAE and Oman gain momentum, the Gulf is entering a new phase of mega-scale competition, accelerated execution, and strategic economic transformation — with Kuwait firmly back in the game.
