Fadel Safar Ali Safar

Company: Kuwait Public Works Ministry
Position: Public works minister

Public Works Minister Fadel Safar Ali Safar is also the minister of state for planning and development affairs in Kuwait. As such, he is responsible for public infrastructure, the construction of which has long been a source of frustration for the construction industry and the general public alike, thanks to the country’s inability to get its megaprojects started.

However, the past two years have seen real progress on infrastructure, with work beginning on a raft of long-awaited projects under the supervision of Safar. Today, it is estimated that $9.2bn of construction and transport projects are under way, including the delayed $2.6bn, 36-kilometre Jaber al-Ahmed causeway.

This deal was awarded to South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction working with the local Combined Group Contracting Company in October 2012. Other major schemes under way include the $1bn Jaber Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah hospital and the $1bn Al-Jahra road upgrade.

Website: www.mpw.gov.kw