Two images stand out, marring the beauty of the country. The first concerns an initiative launched by Sabah Al-Ahmad Maritime City in Khairan. Although this initiative had the potential to become a shining example for Kuwait, it fell short - a common issue in our country. Personal interests and private connections often take precedence over the nation’s well-being. As a result, the initiative was incomplete - it focused only on infrastructure and marine terrain. Land plots were then sold within a close circle, and resold multiple times at increasingly inflated prices before reaching those who genuinely intended to build and settle.

The initiative was meant to be comprehensive, but it became exclusive, benefiting only a select few. Today, Sabah Al-Ahmad Marine City exemplifies the gap between Kuwait and other Gulf countries. In those countries, investors enjoy successful initiatives with complete infrastructure, integrated services and aesthetic touches throughout. In contrast, we in Kuwait stop at infrastructure. Services are offered based on profit rather than developer responsibility, and beauty and security are afterthoughts.

In Gulf countries, you see integrated initiatives, safe cities, clean streets, consistent services and visible aesthetic enhancements like fountains and trees. Comparing that picture with Sabah Al-Ahmad Marine City shows why we need initiatives that match the nation’s ambitions. Unfortunately, we still have officials swayed by developers’ arguments, who have endless excuses to justify their actions. The nation remains unconvinced, and our beloved country continues to suffer.

The second picture is one of neglect, a scene I have witnessed many times and hoped would change, but it seems no one cares. Thousands of travelers entering and leaving Kuwait through the Nuwaiseeb land port notice the stark difference between the road under Kuwaiti responsibility and the one leading to Khafji in Saudi Arabia.

Upon leaving Nuwaiseeb, travelers are greeted by an unsightly mess - plastic containers, papers and all sorts of litter line the road. This eyesore bids farewell to those leaving and welcomes those arriving. But once you reach the point separating Kuwait from Saudi Arabia, the scene changes dramatically. The litter disappears, and the wire fence is replaced by trees and aesthetic touches.

All travelers, whether citizens or visitors, notice this difference and develop negative feelings toward Kuwait, the homeland. In such cases, the blame doesn’t fall on the officials at the Nuwaiseeb border, but on Kuwait itself. To those in charge: Get in your car, drive that road and witness the contrast between people who love and respect their country and those who do not care, offering nothing but excuses. Yet, there is still hope. Yes, there is still hope. So do not cry, my beloved country.

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