Kuwait fast-tracks major urban projects for a sustainable future

• Kuwait is building a prosperous, sustainable future by developing a comprehensive roadmap for smart, environmentally friendly residential cities that meet the aspirations of citizens.

• The country has outlined two programs focused on robust infrastructure and eco-friendly, smart cities built on green building principles and sustainable technology.

• Kuwait has modernized housing designs, showcased successful large-scale projects, and remains committed to sustainable urban development and sharing housing expertise internationally.

Kuwait is ramping up its major urban development projects, including advanced, integrated housing cities, as part of its ambitious Vision 2035. This initiative aims to drive a comprehensive urban renaissance through large-scale projects, progressive economic and social policies, and fruitful global partnerships, Al Rai newspaper reported.

This path reflects the country’s vision of building a prosperous and sustainable future that meets citizens’ aspirations by developing a comprehensive roadmap for residential care systems. This roadmap aims to promote sustainable, smart, and environmentally friendly residential city projects.

Seven decades of strength in Kuwait’s urban development

The foundation of modern urban planning in Kuwait dates back to the early 1950s, with the establishment of the council, formed by a government decision to set urban and housing policies and oversee the planning of Kuwait’s infrastructure development.

Over the past seven decades, Kuwait has consistently worked to advance urban development by creating government departments, committees, authorities, and institutions while adopting forward-looking policies to transition into environmentally friendly smart cities.

The state’s new direction reflects its determination to enhance and expand its capabilities in establishing integrated and advanced housing cities. It also demonstrates a commitment to accelerating residential care delivery through realistic executive plans with specific timelines.

The Public Authority for Housing Welfare and other entities involved in housing received urgent mandates to consolidate efforts, expedite the completion of ongoing projects, and address any obstacles hindering progress.

Action plan for ‘residential’ projects

The government emphasized that the action plan for ‘residential’ projects, set to be implemented in the coming period, will align with the directives of the political leadership. This includes urging officials to engage directly with citizens in the new cities to understand and address their needs.

Development of eco-friendly cities

As part of its successive development plans, Kuwait has outlined two programs focused on building a robust infrastructure and creating environmentally sustainable living spaces. These programs incorporate several key policies, primarily the development of eco-friendly cities in accordance with green building principles, green infrastructure, and smart technology. Additionally, they aim to improve land and facilities management while providing sustainable alternatives to the current housing system.

The country’s executive authorities have prioritized the rapid implementation of these policies. According to the annual follow-up report for the 2023-2024 annual plan, prepared by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, all six policies under the program to build a coherent infrastructure have been activated.

Nine entities to undertake 36 projects

The report highlighted that these policies are linked to 36 projects undertaken by nine entities. Of these, one project has been fully completed, two are in the delivery stage, nine are in the execution phase, and 19 are in the preparatory phase.

Additionally, the report noted that the policy aimed at improving land and facilities management—particularly through the implementation of the Fourth Structural Plan, including zoning systems and geographic information systems—accounts for the largest number of linked projects, with a total of ten initiatives.

Four out of five policies activated

Regarding the program for environmentally harmonious living areas, the report highlighted that four out of five policies were activated in the annual plan (2023–2024). This included 14 development projects implemented by six entities, with five projects in the execution phase and eight in the preparatory phase.

Structural plan for four regions

The fourth structural plan of the State of Kuwait for 2040 outlines the nation’s vision, objectives, and plans across urban, economic, environmental, and social policies, aligned with expected future population growth. The plan includes four regions: The Metropolitan Region of Kuwait, the Northern Economic Region, the Southern Region, and the Western Regional Region. This structure ensures balanced population growth across the country.

Conference on smart management and innovation for sustainable cities

To enhance understanding of key aspects of smart cities and promote collaboration and knowledge exchange, the “Smart Management and Innovation for Sustainable Cities” conference will be launched in Kuwait on Tuesday under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister. The conference will run until November 21.

The event will feature extensive participation from scientists and experts in smart city management, alongside decision-makers, government officials, technology innovators, environmental organizations, educational institutions, investors, finance companies, and international delegations.

The Public Authority for Housing Welfare is currently undertaking six major projects

The Public Authority for Housing Welfare has integrated smart systems and sustainable energy solutions into the designs of its latest projects. These designs align with global advancements in construction while catering to the Kuwaiti environment and the aspirations of citizens.

The authority is currently undertaking six major projects:

1. Completion of the Al-Mutlaa City project.
2. Finalization of public buildings in the South Abdullah Al-Mubarak project.
3. Launch of affordable housing tenders.
4. Implementation of main road services for the South Saad Al-Abdullah City project.
5. Development of road and infrastructure services for South Sabah Al-Ahmad City.
6. Completion of the housing project in East Sabah Al-Ahmad City.

Performance reports indicate significant progress in several projects, including the South Sabah Al-Ahmad and South Saad Al-Abdullah projects. Additionally, new contracts have been signed to establish and maintain service centers in these cities.

Kuwait has made significant strides in modernizing housing projects

Kuwait has made significant strides in modernizing housing project designs and developing new design ideas in line with the latest international trends. This has earned global recognition, as evidenced by the international awards received by the Residential Care Foundation.

Kuwait remains committed to exchanging valuable expertise and experiences in housing by increasing its participation in specialized housing conferences and strengthening cooperation with Arab, regional, and international organizations, as well as relevant Arab federations.

Successful models of large-scale housing projects

The country has showcased successful models of large-scale housing projects, distributing tens of thousands of housing units to citizens over the past decade. Additionally, Kuwait has initiated projects that align with sustainable urban development goals and fulfill the state’s commitment to improving housing welfare for its citizens.

Completing existing projects with the highest quality

On several occasions, Abdul Latif Al-Mishari, the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, emphasized the Public Authority for Housing Welfare’s dedication to completing existing projects with the highest quality. He also highlighted efforts to overcome obstacles in providing housing for citizens according to the set timeline.

In this regard, minister Al-Mishari stressed the importance of the partnership with South Korea in developing project infrastructure, aiming to establish a lasting collaboration that benefits the economies of both nations.

He noted that ongoing negotiations with South Korea aim to enhance parts of the South Saad Al-Abdullah City with a blend of Kuwaiti and Korean ideas and expertise. The minister also mentioned the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation to update the design of the smart city.

Strategic cooperation with China

In line with its strategic objectives related to housing, Kuwait is intensifying efforts to develop infrastructure, enhance statistical systems, and create an attractive investment environment for both local and foreign investors.

Recently, steps to achieve a major urban renaissance in Kuwait have accelerated by strengthening the infrastructure pillar of the development plan. Several entities are overseeing the implementation of infrastructure projects, improving roads, and addressing traffic issues.

With the issuance of Decree No. 27 of 2024, which approves a memorandum of understanding between Kuwait, represented by the Housing Welfare Corporation, and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the country is taking a significant step towards maximizing the benefits of international partnerships in urban development.