KUWAIT: The population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is projected to reach 61.2 million by the end of the year, according to figures released Saturday by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf. The data, issued in conjunction with World Population Day, marks a notable increase of over 2.1 million people compared to 2023—a 3.6 percent rise—indicating a robust recovery from the demographic slowdown experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report highlighted that the population has grown by approximately 7.6 million since 2021, reflecting a strong rebound and resumption of growth across member states.

The center revealed that the male population across the GCC countries currently stands at around 38.5 million, making up 62.8 percent of the total population. The female population is estimated at approximately 22.7 million, or 37.2 percent. This results in a gender ratio of 169 males for every 100 females—significantly higher than the global average of 101 males per 100 females. According to the center, the population of GCC countries represents about 0.7 percent of the total global population. The GCC Statistical Center, headquartered in Oman, serves as the official regional authority responsible for compiling and disseminating statistical data for all member states. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah left Kuwait on Sunday, heading to France on an official visi

His Highness the Amir was seen off at the airport by His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah, State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Shereedah Al-Mosherji and top state officials.

Accompanying His Highness the Amir are Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Chief of Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Sabah, and other high officials. – KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait is poised to play a key role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to a global expert on supply chain geopolitics.

Thomas Tronet, co-director of the Centre for Geopolitical Studies on the Middle East, made the remarks during a recent international congress focused on the Middle East and the Islamic world.

Tronet emphasized Kuwait’s geographical significance. Located at the northern tip of the Gulf, the country is well-positioned to serve as a critical node in the BRI’s global logistics network. Its proximity to the China–Central Asia–West Asia Economic Corridor, he noted, makes it a vital gateway for East-West trade.

He aimed to fill a knowledge gap often found in French and Western discussions regarding the Gulf region. “Kuwait is frequently overlooked in France, despite its strategic importance,” Tronet said. He reminded the audience that Kuwait was historically known as the “Marseille of the Gulf” during the 19th century — a testament to its once-vibrant trading legacy. Today, he sees that the country is reviving that role through modern infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships, especially with China.

Thomas Tronet

Central to his discussion was Kuwait’s “omnibalancing” foreign policy strategy. According to Tronet, Kuwait balances its core security reliance on the United States with deepening economic ties to China. “The US remains Kuwait’s indispensable security guarantor,” he said, “but China has been its primary economic partner for over ten years,” noting that China’s policy of non-interference is also well received in the region.

Tronet highlighted several key developments under the BRI framework. “The main focus of Chinese investment is concentrated on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Boubyan Island. A recent decision was made to accelerate this megaproject, which will make it one of the largest ports in the Gulf. With this development, Kuwait is returning to its roots as a trading center.”

He explained that the port, which is designed to handle over eight million containers upon completion forms part of a larger vision to transform northern Kuwait — including Subiya and Boubyan — into a logistical and economic hub. Chinese-backed transport corridors, such as a proposed link to Dammam and the Saudi Landbridge, are set to improve regional connectivity. These would offer alternative routes to bypass politically unstable zones like the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

These infrastructure projects are closely linked to Kuwait’s national development strategy, known as Vision 2035. The plan seeks to diversify Kuwait’s oil-dependent economy and position the country as a regional cultural, commercial, and financial center, according to Tronet.

“Silk City is another megaproject central to Kuwait Vision 2035, projected to accommodate 700,000 residents,” he said adding that China has expressed strong interest in supporting its integration into the BRI, aligning with its global infrastructure investment goals. While acknowledging the challenges of building such a city from scratch, Tronet noted that similar regional projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM or the UAE’s Masdar City show that the ambition is yet still feasible. He clarified that Kuwait is also advancing in renewable energy, another pillar of Vision 2035. China recently secured a contract to construct a new solar plant within the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, further supporting Kuwait’s push to diversify its energy portfolio.

Tronet noted that Kuwait’s solar potential makes it well-suited for such investments and that China’s global leadership in green energy supports mutual interests in sustainable development.

In closing, Tronet expressed appreciation for the opportunity to spotlight Kuwait. “I was delighted to help participants of the congress from France and the world get to know Kuwait better, a country I find fascinating,” he said. “The few Kuwaitis I have met in France are among the most incredible people I know.”