By Farah Mahdi Mahmoud Haider
Kuwait’s economic narrative is intertwined with the entrepreneurial spirit brought by the merchants, traders and businessmen of the private sector. Because of this, they are considered the driving motion of the country towards prosperity and growth. Their role was not only evident with the busting pearl markets of the early 20th century, but also essential before and after the Iraqi occupation, and continue to be so until this day as they help shape Kuwait’s economic destiny.
As Kuwait today embarks on a new journey towards innovation and modernization with HH the Amir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the private sector continues to play a crucial role in fostering sustainable growth and development, and we, the new Kuwaiti generation, hope that the government will provide support for this private sector so that our goals and ambitions for a new Kuwait can be attained.
During the late 19th and 20th centuries, and before the discovery of oil, Kuwait’s economy relied heavily on pearl diving and the merchants and traders were central to this industry as they facilitated trade between local divers and international markets. Kuwait’s strategic location at the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf made Kuwaiti merchants the middlemen in the trade between East and West and eventually fostered the growth of the private sector.
With the progression of time, the role of Kuwaiti merchants expanded and so did their sense of responsibility for building Kuwait and supporting its community. One example of this is the establishment of Al Mubarakiya School, the first school in Kuwait. Al Mubarakiya School was established by the donation from various businessmen including Hamad Al-Khaled and Sabekha Al-Khaled, who donated their two homes located in the heart of the capital as the basis for this school. The education was free and only a onetime enrolment fee was charged. This was the first step in transforming the primitive education system into a modern one.
In 1914, one of the prominent Kuwaiti traders, Helal Fajhan Al-Mutairi, in addition to three other merchants, participated in founding the first desalination company in Kuwait. This not only supplied the Kuwaitis with the water essential for their livelihood, but also created job opportunities for Kuwaiti youth. In 1920, Al-Mutairi also donated 15,000 rupees as a contribution to construct the Third Wall, which was essential for enhancing Kuwait’s security.
Kuwaiti traders played an essential role during Kuwait’s invasion by the Iraqi troops, especially through the Kuwaiti Popular Conference which was held in Jeddah. This conference was a pivotal moment in Kuwait’s history and was significantly shaped by the presence and contributions of numerous Kuwaiti merchants and dignitaries. In this conference, Kuwaiti merchants showcased a united front in rejecting the invasion and affirming their allegiance to the Al-Sabah leadership.
Their roles as business leaders and statesmen were crucial in shaping the conference’s outcome and reaffirming Kuwait’s political stability and sovereignty during a critical period in its history. In addition, their role extended beyond the conference as they provided support for Kuwaiti immigrants who were pursuing their education on one hand and provided monthly allowances and aid for those in Kuwait.
After Kuwaiti’s invasion, the support of Kuwaiti merchants was persistent. In fact, by the return of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Kuwait with the end of military operations and the announcement of the liberation of the State of Kuwait on February 26, 1991, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber resided at the Babtain Diwan in response to the invitation of Kuwaiti businessman and poet Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain, due to the unpreparedness of his residence in Dasman Palace.
The return of the Amir to the homeland marks one of the historical milestones in Kuwait’s life, a moment that signifies the victory of legitimacy and the triumph of the leader. The residence of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber at the Babtain Diwan provided an opportunity for many Kuwaitis to meet him and congratulate him on the liberation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuwaiti businessmen played a vital role in supporting the nation’s response efforts. They contributed generously to health and social initiatives to mitigate the impact of the crisis. For example, the Al-Ghanim family, through their business donated substantial funds to support healthcare facilities and provide essential medical supplies. Similarly, the Agility Logistics Company facilitated the distribution of critical medical equipment and supplies across Kuwait. These contributions from the private sector not only helped alleviate the immediate healthcare challenges, but also reinforced the spirit of solidarity and cooperation within the Kuwaiti community.
In conclusion, the private sector in Kuwait is essential to the country’s economic growth and resilience. As a senior student, I am eager to see increased governmental support for the private sector, recognizing its crucial role in driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering sustainable development. With numerous opportunities for professional growth, the private sector offers a promising path for my future career. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to continue and enhance its support for private enterprises to ensure a prosperous future for Kuwait.
local@kuwaittimes.com