Accelerated Development of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port Project Picks Up Pace in Collaboration between Kuwait and China
Brand-new Perspective:
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, nestled on Boubyan Island in Kuwait, is smack dab in the middle of a collaborative venture between Kuwait and China. Here's what's going down with this undertaking:
Current Dealio
- The Lowdown: The project is presently undergoing the final phases of detailed design plans and overall construction and operation plans. This follows a deal struck in February 2025 with China State Construction and Transport Limited for study, design, and pre-implementation services.
- Why It Matters: The port project ranks high on Kuwait's list of development priorities, aiming to boost income and GDP as part of a broader growth vision. It's one of the key outcomes of the MoUs signed between Kuwait and China in September 2023.
What's Happening Now
- Recent V visits: A site visit took place in April 2025, with Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan and Chinese Deputy Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin in tow, to check in on the progress of the contract.
- Seafarer's Shenanigans: Alongside port development, Kuwait and China have inked maritime cooperation agreements, like a cooperation agreement in ports and commercial maritime navigation and a memorandum of understanding on mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates. This strengthens bilateral maritime bonds and operational coordination.
- BRI Business: The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port finds itself in the thick of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), signifying its significance for regional trade and connectivity.
Coming Attractions
- Containers Galore: Once the port's supposedly wrapped up, it's predicted to have the chops to handle over 8 million containers, catapulting Kuwait's trade power and regional standing to new heights.
- Leadership Love: The project enjoys backing from Kuwait's political chief execs, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, being part of Kuwait's business endeavors, is also a significant aspect of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the finance sector, illustrating its importance for regional trade and connectivity. As the port is expected to handle over 8 million containers once completed, it could potentially boost Kuwait's income, GDP, and global standing within the industry.
