MEAD: $1.2 billion in infrastructure contracts awarded in Kuwait since the beginning of 2026
- $16 billion package of infrastructure projects in ports, roads, and facilities
- $36 billion value of construction projects led by Sabah Al-Salem City
- $5.5 billion in construction and transport contract awards in 2025
Mideast reported that Kuwait’s construction and transport sectors continue to maintain their momentum following one of their strongest historical periods. The value of contracts awarded last year reached $5.5 billion, nearing the record high of $5.6 billion set in 2024.
The magazine added that market performance in 2026 exceeded expectations, with construction and infrastructure sector contract awards reaching $1.2 billion by July 27, compared to $1.6 billion during the same period in 2025. This slight decline, despite the impact of regional conflicts on investor confidence and bidding timelines in the Gulf, reflects the Kuwaiti market’s ability to maintain stability and sustained activity.
It noted that this steadiness reflects a broader trend of continuing major projects even amid a more uncertain operating environment. A key example is the $4 billion Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract awarded in late December to China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) to complete the remaining phases of the Port of Shuwaikh project on Bubiyan Island.
Although this contract was awarded prior to the current regional disturbances, it helped sustain momentum extending into 2026, as Kuwait continues to execute major projects in the ports, roads, and facilities sectors.
The magazine explained that contractors and consultants observed a more stable flow of bids reaching the award stage this year, despite a slight decrease in total values compared to last year, reflecting the resilience of Kuwait’s project portfolio against regional fluctuations.
It stated that the value of Kuwait’s infrastructure project package approaches $16 billion, covering projects in the ports, roads, and facilities sectors at various stages of tendering and implementation.
Kuwait Ports Authority received proposals in July to develop infrastructure and implement electrical upgrades at Shuwaikh Port, alongside development projects for Shuwaikh and Doha ports as part of the Authority’s expanded tender program.
Work is also ongoing to tender stormwater drainage networks with an estimated value of approximately 222 million Kuwaiti dinars ($718 million) to serve the Sabah Al-Ahmad, South Sabah Al-Ahmad, Al-Khayran, and Al-Wafra areas. The works include constructing a main concrete sewer line, three collection basins, and an extensive stormwater drainage network.
The magazine reported that infrastructure project momentum has spilled over into the construction sector. In mid-July, Kuwait awarded a $232 million contract to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to build the new headquarters of the Direct Investment Promotion Authority. The project features a 55-story, 275-meter-tall office tower in the East area, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2028.
In addition to this project, other initiatives within Kuwait’s $36 billion construction package are expected to make progress in the coming months.
She noted that the first phase of the Sabriya City project, with a cost of $22 billion, is the largest of these projects. The Chinese company MCC is expected to sign one of the main contracts for the project, following its submission last year of a fully funded proposal to develop the city. The city is planned to include 52,000 residential units, along with a power generation plant, a hospital, and a marina.
She also highlighted the ongoing competition among consultants for the design and supervision contracts for the buildings of the Service Center in the Al-Mutlaa Health City, a project valued at $580 million and covering an area exceeding 351,000 square meters.
Furthermore, she added that the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority awarded this year a $252 million project to develop the Al-Muthanna Real Estate Complex.
