Kuwait moves on Failaka Island development

04 November 2018
Government instructs Kuwait Municipality to purchase private properties on the island

The Kuwait government has requested Kuwait Municipality to “remove all obstacles facing the implementation of the Failaka Island development project,” a local media report cited in late October.

The directive instructed Kuwait Municipality and other competent authorities to purchase private properties on the island to pave the way for the development project.

It is understood the directive was issued in response to a request made by the National Council for Culture, Art & Letters (NCCAL) to continue with excavation works in historic sites in Failaka Island.

Kuwait first announced the plan to develop Failaka Island, a popular tourist destination with ancient ruins and hundreds of inhabitants, in 2003.

MEED understands the first contracts were awarded in 2007-08, but the state audit bureau had to undertake an investigation into those contract awards.

In 2010, the Partnerships Technical Bureau (PTB) tendered and received bids for the contract to supply transaction advisory services for the estimated $3bn tourism development on Failaka Island.

Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects is now responsible for the Failaka Island development procurement process.

Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry (MPW) is the client.

The initial plan involves transforming the 43 square-kilometre island of Failaka, which lies 20 kilometres east of Kuwait City, into a major tourism and leisure resort. This involves the construction of infrastructure and a waterfront development with chalets, hotels, a new marina and a jetty.

A MEED Subscription...

Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.