Kuwait seals deal with China to fast-track Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project

• The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project aims to establish a commercial port in Kuwait, positioning it as a regional transport hub. It will contribute to increasing GDP and restoring Kuwait’s regional commercial and financial role.

• The Mubarak Port project is a key priority for Kuwait’s leadership, driving economic growth, diversifying GDP, and restoring its regional commercial role.

• Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat highlighted the frank, strategic discussions, emphasizing Kuwait-China ties and China’s commitment to supporting His Highness the Amir’s vision of making Kuwait a global financial and commercial hub.

Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, the Minister of Public Works, has signed a contract with China State Construction and Transport Limited—nominated by the Chinese government—for study, design, and pre-implementation services to complete the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, Al Anba newspaper reported.

The agreement follows Decree-Law No. 155 of 2024, which approved the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Kuwait and China on cooperation in the port’s development, and Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, which transferred jurisdiction and financial allocations for the project to the Ministry of Public Works. The contract was finalized after securing all necessary regulatory approvals.

Regional transport hub

Minister Al-Mashaan stated that the project aims to establish a commercial port in Kuwait, positioning it as a regional transport hub within the strategic vision of New Kuwait 2035. The initiative seeks to develop the northern region into an integrated economic and urban system, aligned with a comprehensive development plan that considers all economic and urban aspects.

She added that the project will significantly contribute to diversifying and increasing Kuwait’s GDP while restoring its regional commercial and financial role. The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Sea Port project on Boubyan Island is a key pillar of this development.

She emphasized that the port will expand economic and commercial activities in exports and imports, secure essential resources to support domestic production, and foster continued prosperity and economic growth. Additionally, it will enhance the state’s role in efficiently managing the development process.

Career opportunities for citizens

The port is expected to create extensive commercial, professional, and career opportunities for citizens by generating various job roles essential for its success—both during construction and in later operational phases.

She highlighted that completing the Mubarak Al-KabeerPort project is a top priority for Kuwait’s senior leadership. It aligns with the directives of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and is strongly supported by His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, and His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah. She stressed their unwavering commitment to the project, which will serve as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s advanced infrastructure under the New Kuwait 2035 vision.

Key development initiative for Boubyan Island

The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project is a key development initiative for Boubyan Island, serving as a driver of economic growth through commercial investments, housing developments, and tourism projects. It aligns with the broader vision to leverage the island’s strategic location and unique natural features.

Minister Al-Mashaan highlighted that the communication and consultation methodology between Kuwaiti and Chinese leaderships has been effective, continuous, and strategically structured, emphasizing the importance of enhancing and sustaining practical cooperation. She noted that the Chinese leadership regards Kuwait as a key strategic partner across political, economic, commercial, and investment sectors.

The government contract was signed by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, representing the State of Kuwait, while the Chinese side was represented by Chen Jong, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of China State Construction and Transport Limited, along with a high-level Chinese government delegation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia and member of the Supreme Committee overseeing Kuwait-China agreements under the Council of Ministers, as well as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works Eid Al-Rashid, senior officials from the Ministries of Public Works and Foreign Affairs, members of the Technical Committee, engineers from the Ministry of Public Works, and Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of China to Kuwait. Also present were Huo Hang Min, head of the Chinese commercial office, and members of the Chinese Embassy.

For his part, Ambassador Hayat stated that the discussions between both sides were marked by realistic frankness, strategic alignment, and a shared vision. He emphasized the historical depth of Kuwait-China relations and reiterated China’s commitment—both in word and action—to supporting His Highness the Amir’s vision of transforming Kuwait into a global financial and commercial hub.

He stated that Minister Al-Mashaan closely observed the strong interest shown by senior Chinese officials in participating and their commitment to supporting Kuwait’s economic development strategy. This includes fostering a favorable investment climate to attract direct Chinese investments and working alongside relevant Kuwaiti government agencies under a unified vision to implement key strategies for sustainable growth, in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir.

He added that this commitment will undoubtedly have a positive impact on production and export rates, ultimately increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to national income. He further explained that China will continue to send high-level technical delegations to Kuwait to discuss the details of major development projects.