Kuwait takes rapid strides toward becoming a major tourism hub

Kuwait is making significant strides in developing its tourism sector as part of its broader development strategy. The government is focused on enhancing tourism infrastructure, to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.

Relevant authorities are actively developing tourist facilities and planning new projects with promising investments. They are also updating the sector’s infrastructure and formulating policies to support the travel, entertainment, and cultural businesses.

Kuwait has recently formed partnerships with local and international tourism and entertainment companies, resulting in the launch of the Winter Wonderland entertainment complex, the opening of Al-Sabahiya Park, and the development of the “Shatea Alblajat” beach area in Salmiya.

Authorities are preparing to diversify activities during upcoming national occasions to attract tourists from the Gulf region. For example, the “Ya Hala” shopping festival, which began on January 21 and runs until March 31, has been planned as part of the new approach to boost both the tourism and commercial sectors.

The Permanent Committee for Celebrating Eids and National Occasions aims to increase tourist expenditures during the festival by 15-25 percent compared to the KD 170.1 million spent in 2024. The festival also seeks to achieve another goal: reducing spending on travel and external tourism, which had surged to KD 4.39 billion in 2023.

In line with its tourism development strategy, Kuwait has also implemented plans to enhance the business environment and boost the competitiveness of its service economy within the Gulf. In 2019, Kuwait saw a 41.9 percent growth in international tourism, with foreign tourists contributing an estimated USD 1.7 billion. The number of tourists from GCC countries reached 20,000.

The third “mekashat” (leisure site), inaugurated on November 16, attracted around 150,000 visitors, including citizens from GCC countries. Following directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government has made the development of heritage sites a top priority.

His Highness the Amir also directed the establishment of popular markets in Jahraa and Ahmadi, inspired by the Al-Mubarakiya Bazaar. As part of these efforts, Kuwait signed an executive agreement for tourist cooperation with Bahrain for 2024, 2025, and 2026, focusing on exchanging expertise, organizing joint activities, and enhancing promotion.

An agreement signed with Tunisia late last year included the launch of an executive program for tourism cooperation between 2025 and 2027. Similarly, agreements with Tajikistan established an identical program for the 2024-2026 period.

At the Gulf level, Kuwait is working to attract more tourists through the Gulf Tourism Strategy (2023-30). Highlighting growing international interest in Kuwait’s unique tourist offerings, the Middle East committee of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) elected Kuwait as the deputy chair and a member of the designation documents committee for the first time since its establishment.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Kuwait’s efforts to promote tourism and develop the sector as part of the 2033 vision, which focuses on diversifying the economy and income sources. He emphasized that Kuwait has significant potential, noting that its cultural festivals have played a key role in fostering interaction between local communities and visitors.

The UNWTO chief added that Kuwait has the potential to become a major destination for recreational seekers, given its rich culture, history, and solid infrastructure. The Touristic Enterprises Company is overseeing several projects, including the South Nuwaiseeb resting compound, parks in South Al-Sabahiya and Al-Mangaf (set to open in 2026), along with the development of Al-Messila Beach and the renovation of seaside areas.

Additionally, the company is working on the Al-Egaila project, which will feature various entertainment and sports complexes, along with water games facilities. It has also completed the feasibility study for the Khairan resort, which spans 600,000 square meters.

The Gulf Cup tournament, held in Kuwait from December 21 to January 4, provided an opportunity to enhance related activities and benefit the tourism and recreation sectors. During this period, hotel occupancy reached 100%, while spending at restaurants and cafes saw a 30% increase in December 2024 compared to the same month the previous year.

The tourism sector in Kuwait began in 1962 with the establishment of the Kuwaiti Hotels Company. In the 1970s, it expanded with the creation of the tourism department, which introduced various attractive activities.

Notable landmarks in Kuwait include the popular Al-Mubarakiya market, developed seaside areas, iconic towers, Souq Sharq, and numerous shopping malls. Additionally, Kuwait is known for its Grand Mosque, historic sites, islands, Al-Ahmar (Red) Palace, and natural reserves.