PPPA reaps 50-fold gains and accelerates major tenders

In a bold move to stimulate private investment and increase state revenues, the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority (PPPA) in Kuwait is rapidly pushing forward with a wide range of projects in collaboration with government entities.

Acting Director Asmaa Al-Mousa revealed that the authority has dramatically increased state revenues — by more than 50 times — through the strategic re-offering of properties built on state-owned land for investment. What once brought in only 160,064 dinars from five properties now generates nearly 9.93 million dinars, a leap attributed to Law No. 116 of 2014 governing public-private partnerships.

The authority is currently working on six major projects with other public bodies, all in varying stages of planning and execution.

These include ventures like the Sabah Al-Ahmad Resort for the Elderly, educational infrastructure for the creative economy, the Kuwait Postal Company, the Nuwaiseeb Free Zone, the Naeem Economic Zone, and a dedicated facility for vehicle auctions.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance service infrastructure and economic diversification through private investment.

Al-Mousa also outlined progress on strategic energy and telecommunications projects. The bidding process is nearing completion for the Al-Zour North Power and Water Desalination Plant, while the first phase of the Al-Khairan plant, expected to generate 1,800 megawatts and 33 million imperial gallons of water, is anticipated to be launched in the third quarter of this year. Legal reviews for the project documents are underway at the Fatwa and Legislation Department.

Simultaneously, the fixed-line telecommunications development project is progressing. Three bids were received from pre-qualified companies, and technical evaluations are ongoing. Once complete, financial offers will be publicly opened and recommendations submitted to announce the winning bidder.

In the renewable energy sector, the PPPA is preparing to launch two phases of the Dabdaba and Shagaya projects in partnership with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.

These projects aim to add 1,600 megawatts of capacity to Kuwait’s grid, with 1,100 megawatts from Shagaya Phase Three and another 500 megawatts from a second project under the same initiative. Al-Mousa emphasized the ministry’s eagerness to speed up the execution of these green energy projects, critical for meeting growing energy demands.

As for state property, the PPPA has reviewed key contracts set to expire soon. Among these are the investment agreements for the Fahaheel Waterfront (Al-Kout), the Marina Mall section of the Waterfront Project (Phase Five), and the Grand Market property. These properties are expected to be re-tendered to the private sector, with updated terms to further boost state revenues.

The Al-Muthanna Complex and the third phase of the Waterfront Real Estate Project (East District of Kuwait City) are also in preparation for re-launch in coordination with the Higher Committee for Partnership Projects.

With renewed focus and aggressive project planning, the Partnership Projects Authority is not only unlocking significant financial value from state assets but also positioning Kuwait as a destination for large-scale public-private investments in energy, infrastructure, and services.