KUWAIT: Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) held its Ordinary General Assembly Meeting, on Wednesday, for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. The assembly approved all agenda items, including the Board of Directors’ report, the auditor’s report, and the audited financial statements. Speaking to media on the sidelines of the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of TEC, Hamoud Jassim Al-Falah emphasized that 2025 will be a year of executing the company’s strategic roadmap.
While the operational and financial goals are well-defined, the broader vision for TEC remains limitless, aligning with Kuwait’s national strategy for tourism and economic development. Regarding TEC’s collaboration with the private sector, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fostering partnerships with the private sector, a crucial element of its long-term strategy, noting that recent investment opportunities, including offerings in prime locations, have garnered significant interest, surpassing expectations.
“This strong response underscores the confidence in TEC’s management and its ability to facilitate successful collaborations between the public and private sectors. Looking ahead, TEC aims to continue building strategic partnerships, launching innovative projects, and reinforcing Kuwait’s position as a leading regional destination for leisure and entertainment,” he added. Al-Falah added “In 2024, we also prioritized launching innovative entertainment projects in collaboration with private sector entrepreneurs.
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of TEC, Hamoud Jassim Al-Falah
The second season of K-Land was inaugurated at its new location on Blajat Beach, making it the first beachfront family amusement park in Kuwait. Additionally, we launched ‘JON,’ an entertainment venue near Kuwait Towers featuring a fine-dining restaurant and hosting distinguished musical and folkloric events.” He continued “Believing in the importance of sustainability across all our projects, we remain committed to developing Kuwait’s tourism and entertainment sector while ensuring public funds are protected and the private sector plays a more significant role in economic development.”
On TEC’s projects, he stated “TEC is set to play a key role in promoting tourism in Kuwait, with exciting new projects planned for the coming year. The company is preparing to introduce new attractions that will enhance the entertainment landscape and attract both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates.” He added “We inaugurated the third season of Kuwait Winter Wonderland in the former location of Shaab Park in November 2024, making it the largest entertainment event in Kuwait.
It witnessed a high turnout, and we focused on enhancing its components to ensure an exceptional entertainment experience. Additionally, we launched the second season of the South Subahiya Park project, spanning 107,000 square meters and featuring over 55 diverse recreational activities, including large and small amusement rides and skill-based games.”
Al-Falah indicated that TEC successfully launched high-quality projects that significantly elevated entertainment services, attracting visitors of all age groups, particularly families, pointing out “We also worked on upgrading Blajat Beach by adding various recreational facilities and new activities to enhance its appeal. These projects, among others, reflect our continuous commitment to providing unique and innovative entertainment experiences that meet the expectations of both citizens and residents.”
He further stated “TEC has also completed the Waterfront Beautification Project, which extends over 10 kilometers and includes designated walking and cycling paths, 40 electric vehicle charging stations, as well as modern seating areas and carefully designed green spaces to create a comfortable recreational environment for visitors.”
Regarding sustainability practices, he explained “The TEC Board of Directors has directed the executive management to adopt alternative energy solutions and replace current lighting systems with energy-efficient alternatives while ensuring water conservation. The Waterfront Beautification Project has been designed to meet the highest sustainability and quality standards, incorporating clean energy solutions and advanced facility management technologies.”
He concluded “TEC continues its efforts to achieve sustainability and advance Kuwait’s tourism sector by implementing integrated entertainment projects that meet the aspirations of both citizens and residents while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability and quality.”
KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to return to the global debt market this year and is expected to borrow between KD 3 to 6 billion during the current 2025/2026 fiscal year to finance development projects, a finance ministry official said on Monday. Director of Public Debt at the Finance Ministry Faisal Al-Muzaini said during a presentation of the new debt law that the funds will be borrowed from global and domestic markets to fund a number of development projects.
Kuwait issued a new debt law in March, putting a ceiling of KD 30 billion on public debt and maturity at 50 years. It will be the first time Kuwait returns to borrowing since 2017. Al-Muzaini however said the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in Kuwait is minuscule at just 2.9 percent, whereas it is 60 to 70 percent in many countries. He said that the 2025-2030 five-year strategic borrowing plan will be determined by oil prices, global markets and risks associated with borrowing.
Al-Muzaini described the public debt law as one of the most important reform measures in the history of public finances for Kuwait. “This law sends a strong message of fiscal discipline and credibility to global markets. It is expected to contribute to enhancing Kuwait’s credit profile, drawing wider investor interest and advancing the country’s transition toward a diversified economy.”
Finance Ministry Undersecretary Aseel Al-Munaifi said the new debt law will stimulate the economic environment and promote foreign investments into Kuwait, besides accelerating economic growth and strengthening the banking system in Kuwait.
“The law will support the restructuring of government financing, reduce borrowing costs and strengthen Kuwait’s credit rating,” she said. “It reflects positively on the state’s borrowing capabilities under competitive conditions and helps build up financial reserves to meet commitments amid evolving economic circumstances.”
Al-Munaifi said a law regulating the issuance of sukuk, or Islamic bonds, is expected to be issued soon as it is being reviewed by authorities at the Council of Ministers. The debt law also allows the issuance of financial instruments and establishes a long-term legal framework for public borrowing.
KUWAIT: Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Meshaan announced the commencement of comprehensive road maintenance works in Saad Al-Abdullah City, as part of a series of new contracts focused on upgrading highways and internal roads across the country. In a press statement issued Tuesday, Dr Al-Meshaan said the initiative falls within the framework of 18 major projects aimed at rehabilitating the nation’s road network.
These projects cover various regions, including all six governorates, and are designed to enhance road quality and improve safety standards for all users. The minister affirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, emphasizing that the ongoing efforts are a key component of a broader strategy to modernize public services and ensure sustainable urban growth. — KUNA
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Monday the credentials of Pakistan’s Dr Zafar Iqbal, Cyprus’ Andreas Panayiotou, El Salvador’s Juan Carlos Stuben Poillat, Armenia’s Arsen Alexander Arakelian and Sri Lanka’s Lakshitha Pradeep Ratnayake, who were appointed as their new ambassadors to Kuwait. The ceremony was attended by senior state officials. — KUNA