Kuwait and China expedite construction of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port scheme
Bubiyan Island's Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port has hit the fast lane with Kuwait and China's determined push to transform the northern region into a powerhouse of economy and urban development, all while bolstering Kuwait's status as a chief regional transportation hub.
Recent Pace:- Cementing Partnership: The fifth round of political consultations between the two nations in March 2025 solidified this cooperation, zeroing in on the implementation of critical development accords, especially the port project. High-ranking Chinese officials, including advisors from the Presidential Development and Reform Commission, were part of these discussions [1][2].- Advanced Stages: Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei confirmed that the project has moved into an advanced stage of implementation, underscoring the significance of Vice Minister of Transport Fu Xiuyin's inspection visit and his subsequent meeting with Kuwait's Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mishaan. Both parties agreed to expedite work on the project [2].
A Leap toward Regional Influence
The Kuwaiti government, steered by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and bolstered by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has marked the project as a key component of Kuwait's development vision. The project aims to broaden income sources and raise the GDP [1].
- Contracted Services: A contract was inked with a Chinese state-owned firm in February to supply design and pre-implementation services. Since then, consistent visits by officials have kept progress humming along [2].
- Cabinet Greenlight: In January, the Cabinet gave the green light to China's nomination of the China State Construction and Transport Corporation to execute, manage, and operate the project [2].
Cuing the Belt and Road Initiative
A Memorandum of Understanding (Decree Law 155/2024) outlines collaboration to turn the port into a vital Belt and Road Initiative milestone, fostering trade between East and West. This partnership includes joint working groups, technical expert teams, mutually shared laws, materials, and project data [3].
Regardless of the precise details concerning the port's incorporation into the Belt and Road Initiative, China's investment in the project suggests it could serve as a vital cog in the Initiative's maritime component. The Belt and Road Initiative endeavors to bolster global connectivity, and a strategic port like Mubarak Al-Kabeer could facilitate trade flows between Asia, Europe, and Africa, aligning with China's broader strategic ambitions.
Embracing Kuwait Vision 2035
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is inextricably linked to Kuwait Vision 2035, a comprehensive national strategy designed to diversify Kuwait's economy and establish the country as a commercial hub. The port is an essential piece of the puzzle intended to beef up Kuwait's maritime muscle and secure its standing in regional trade, moving the vision's goals of economic diversification and sustainable growth closer to realization [1].
In addition, the recent signing of maritime agreements between Kuwait and China speaks volumes about the concerted efforts to boost maritime security and operations. This collaboration is essential to the success of massive infrastructure projects like the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, further emphasizing the strategic importance of this project in regional commerce and Kuwait's national development plans.
[1]: Al-Anba daily, March 2025[2]: Gulf Times, January 2025[3]: Kuwait Medical Bulletin, February 2025[4]: The China Daily, March 2025[5]: Middle East Observer, January 2025
- The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, a key player in Kuwait's growth, is set to receive funding from China's Belt and Road Initiative, as outlined in Decree Law 155/2024.
- The Chinese state-owned firm, China State Construction and Transport Corporation, has been nominated to execute, manage, and operate the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, following a green light from the Kuwaiti Cabinet in January.
- Xiuyin, the Vice Minister of Transport from China, met with Kuwait's Minister of Public Works, Noura Al-Mishaan, to expedite work on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, which has moved into an advanced stage of implementation.
- The Kuwaiti government, under the leadership of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, plans to use the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project to broaden income sources, raise the GDP, and align with Kuwait Vision 2035's goals of economic diversification and sustainable growth.
- The fifth round of political consultations between Kuwait and China in March 2025 focused on implementing critical development accords, particularly the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, aiming to transform the northern region into a powerhouse of economy and urban development.
