Summary

The spread of Coronavirus has dealt a severe blow to the construction sector in Kuwait, with the number of building permits plunging by 40% in 2020. Official data showed permits for private residential buildings dipped by around 46% in the first 10 months of 2020 compared with the same period of 2019. Permits for investment housing projects plummeted by around 65%, while permits for commercial buildings and industrial units tumbled by 61% and 57%, respectively. The number of permits awarded for private housing plunged to 4,821 from 8,863 in the same period. Permits dipped to 222 from 652 for investment housing, to 170 from 440 for commercial buildings, and 96 from 224 for buildings used for industrial purposes.

With its Vision 2035 program, Kuwait has signaled that it is becoming more open to foreign investment. The plan includes various mega projects, including the building of a multipurpose industrial city to the tune of USD 6.6 billion. The development plans hope to attract private investment because the Kuwaiti government is aiming to reduce its official contribution to projects to 30-40%. Kuwait’s tax framework makes it an attractive target for foreign investment. With benefits like income tax holidays and customs-free equipment importation, the country is hoping to attract more foreign investment.

Key Market Trends

Vision 2035: The Key Driving Factor for the Construction Sector in the Review Period

The Kuwait Development Plan (KDP) 2015-2020 puts into motion the government’s broad goal of transforming the country into a regional trade and financial hub by 2035. The KDP was initially drafted with a USD 155 billion budget for key developments and will focus on more than 500 projects to build core infrastructure, utilities, and housing across Kuwait and to expand the country’s oil and gas sector. The new plan reassigns 421 projects from the previous plan and identifies 92 new projects that will be implemented within the next five years.

One of the biggest projects under the new development plan is USD 20 billion metro rail network. The three-line system would include 61 stations and cover the entire capital. Another key infrastructure project is the proposed KD 8 billion (USD 27.56 billion) rail network that will link Kuwait with its GCC partners through the GCC rail network.

Mubarak Al Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island is another major infrastructure project that will be financed and built under the KDP. Other key projects include the development of Madeenat Al Hareer, commonly known as Silk City; the creation of tourist attractions at Failaka Island, which is located 20 km from the coast; and the expansion of sewage and solid waste treatment facilities throughout the country.

Through Kuwait Vision 2035, the nation hopes to transform Kuwait into a world-class financial and commercial center. The country aims to achieve this, with the private sector leading economic activities, fostering competitiveness, increasing productivity, supported by viable public institutions, while maintaining deep-rooted values and the national identity.

Kuwait has executed projects worth more than USD 60 billion toward its Vision Kuwait 2035 strategy, a further USD 100 billion is still to be invested. Kuwait is focusing on the development and construction activities, such as constructing the largest port in the Middle East- the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, building a new passenger terminal at the Kuwait International Airport, a petrochemical complex, oil refineries, and renewable energy complexes. Kuwait thus aspires to have a low dependence on oil, replacing it with human creativity and innovation, adding that more than USD 100 billion will be invested by 2035.

Investments in Large Scale Projects to the Boost Construction Sector in Oman

Increasing government expenditure toward sustainable infrastructure development with continued investment in energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable assets is promoting the market demand for Kuwait construction companies. The government is also encouraging companies that emphasize technological advancements and standardizing modern methods of construction.

Investment in large-scale infrastructure projects is one of the key strategies of Kuwait to fuel economic growth. The government’s effort to improve the country’s infrastructure to sustain growth in the manufacturing sector and expand municipal utilities will contribute to the growth in construction spending. Rising personal income levels, household growth, and population migration from rural to urban areas will augment the need for better construction facilities and road infrastructure developments in the country.

Increasing public investments into Kuwait’s commercial construction sectors will be a key market opportunity for the companies operating in the construction and infrastructure industry. The presence of a huge customer base is resulting in strong FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows into the country. Furthermore, increasing investments in real estate and infrastructure sectors result in the growth of construction activities.

Competitive Landscape

The Kuwaiti construction market is highly competitive, with the presence of major international players. The market presents opportunities for growth during the forecast period, which is expected to further drive market competition. With a few players holding a significant share, the Kuwaiti construction market has an observable level of consolidation.

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