Kuwait Northern Economic Zone is once again the focus of a renewed development push. A strategic meeting held at Bayan Palace aimed to revive momentum behind the long-delayed project.
Top officials and economic advisors reviewed the initial features of the strategic plan. The meeting emphasized boosting private sector involvement through flexible legislation and attractive investment incentives. Tourism, industrial growth, and commercial activity were highlighted as key focus areas.
Furthermore, discussions stressed maintaining full Kuwaiti sovereignty while making the region more attractive to global investors. The move aims to strike a balance between national control and foreign capital engagement. The Kuwait Northern Economic Zone is considered a vital part of the country’s Vision 2035 plan.
Silk City or Madinat Al-Hareer remains a central feature of the development. Originally introduced in the 1980s, the plan has grown into a large-scale urban and economic initiative. It includes Subiya, Boubyan Island, as well as neighboring northern territories, totaling over 250 square kilometers.
Despite its promise, Silk City has faced repeated delays over the years. Originally proposed decades ago, the project has often stalled due to shifting political priorities within Kuwait, lack of legislative clarity, and administrative turnover
Since 2018, Kuwaiti delegations have engaged with China’s National Development and Reform Commission. Meetings with firms like Huawei and Alibaba led to agreements on infrastructure, e-commerce, and digital development. These partnerships also position the Silk City within China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials now plan to activate the long-anticipated China-Kuwait master planning agreement, a key document that outlines the framework for infrastructure design, logistics networks, as well as investment flow.
By strengthening global ties and revising local frameworks, Kuwait hopes to make the north a global trade hub. The Kuwait Northern Economic Zone is set to play a key role in shifting Kuwait’s economy beyond oil dependence.
