Kuwait ranks among global leaders in key development indicators confirms ‘Gulf Statistical Center’
The Statistical Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, confirmed today, Wednesday, that Kuwait continues to lead internationally in many sustainable development indicators, strengthening its position among developed countries.
This was stated in a report issued by the Statistical Center of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf on the occasion of Kuwait’s celebration of its 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day.
The center stated that since Kuwait’s independence, the country has steadily advanced toward building a nation of achievements across various fields and levels, continuing this progress under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and preserve him.
The indicators monitored by the Statistical Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries reflect Kuwait’s commitment to its Vision 2035, which aims to transform the country into a global financial hub and an attractive destination for investment.
The private sector in Kuwait plays a leading role in driving economic activity, fostering human development, enhancing competitiveness, and improving production efficiency. This is achieved within a supportive institutional framework that upholds national values, preserves social identity, promotes human development, and provides the necessary infrastructure for a thriving and advanced business environment.
The center emphasized that sustainable development is a strategic priority for Kuwait, aimed at securing a better future for coming generations. This vision focuses on achieving sustainable economic growth, enhancing citizens’ quality of life, and preserving natural resources through innovation and long-term planning.
The data from the Statistical Center show Kuwait’s remarkable progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country has attained a 100 percent achievement rate in several key indicators, including the percentage of births occurring under medical supervision, families’ access to basic services, the population’s access to safely managed drinking water, and the availability of electricity services for all citizens.
The center reported that Kuwait’s total government spending in 2023 reached approximately $85.5 billion. The relative contribution of the non-oil sector’s added value stood at 848.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices. Additionally, the per capita GDP amounted to $36,700, while the inflation rate was recorded at 3.6 percent.
Kuwait secured the top global ranking in the Information and Communication Technology Use Index (as per the Global Innovation Index 2024) and the E-Commerce Legislation Index (according to the Network Readiness Index 2024). Additionally, Kuwait ranked third worldwide in the Tax Policy Index 2024 and 11th globally in the Public Finance Index 2024.
The center highlighted that, at the regional level, Kuwait ranked first in the Global Peace Index for the Middle East and North Africa in 2024. At the Arab level, Kuwait secured leading positions in several key indicators, ranking first among Arab countries in the Investment Climate Components Guarantee Index for 2023 and the Social Progress Index for 2024, while placing fifth in the Competitiveness Index for 2024.
The center emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to aligning the Sustainable Development Goals with the pillars of national development under Kuwait Vision 2035, recognizing sustainable development as a key driver of growth and prosperity for future generations.
Kuwait’s development plan comprises 164 development projects and 30 strategic initiatives. These include establishing a special international economic zone, enhancing citizen and institutional capabilities, creating environmentally sustainable living areas, fostering a dynamic private sector, promoting privatization, improving public health and well-being, developing a transparent and cohesive government, building robust infrastructure, and ensuring effective participation in the global community.
Moreover, Kuwait is implementing five projects to achieve clean and sustainable energy, with the most significant being the Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex, one of the largest solar energy projects in the country. The third phase of the project is expected to be completed during the current year.
The opening of Abdullah Al Salem University, which serves as a vital institution for preparing qualified human resources to enrich the labor market. The university includes three research centers: a center for cybersecurity and digital transformation, a center for data science and artificial intelligence, and a center for resources, energy, and sustainability.
The center highlighted several promising projects in Kuwait, including the Doha Seawater Desalination Plant, which aims to utilize groundwater for treatment and produce 60 million imperial gallons of fresh water per day.
Additionally, the Wafra Power Plant is a key component of the Gulf electricity interconnection system, enabling electricity connectivity beyond GCC member states, starting from southern Iraq, with an estimated cost of approximately $270 million.
The Gulf Statistical Center, headquartered in the Sultanate of Oman, serves as the official body responsible for data, information, and statistics related to the GCC countries.
Established to be the primary source of statistical insights, the center also plays a vital role in strengthening statistical and informational work across national statistical centers and planning agencies within the GCC nations.
Source: Al Jarida
