ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait experienced a year of transformation in 2024, marked by significant political changes, major infrastructure projects, groundbreaking oil discoveries, and notable sporting milestones. Here’s a recap of the major events that shaped Kuwait this year.
Dissolution of Parliament
In a bold political move, on May 10, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly and the temporary suspension of certain constitutional provisions for up to four years. This decision came as part of a broader effort to “revise the democratic process in its entirety,” paving the way for potential reforms in Kuwait’s political structure.
Key legislative changes
2024 also saw the lifting of visa restrictions on expats and the tightening of the country’s citizenship laws. Visa reopening: On February 7, Kuwait reopened visit visas, including family, commercial, and tourist visas, marking a significant step towards welcoming visitors back to the country. Kuwait had suspended the issuance of family visas in 2022 with the aim to regulate the visas as part of the country’s plans to cut the number of expats, who form over two-thirds of the country’s population of 4.5 million. The two-year visa ban left many expats unable to reunite with their families.
Citizenship amendments: On December 23, the Cabinet passed amendments to the country’s citizenship law, a move expected to significantly impact the eligibility criteria for acquiring Kuwaiti nationality. The year also witnessed the revocation or withdrawal of citizenship from thousands of individuals, following a review by the newly formed Supreme Committee to Investigate Kuwaiti Citizenship.
New traffic law: On November 27, the Cabinet approved a tougher traffic law that introduced stricter penalties in a bid to improve road safety and discipline. The new law introduces a wide range of fines, with the lowest fine being KD 15 for parking in prohibited areas (up from KD 5), and the highest fine being KD 5,000 for causing serious injury or death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
GCC summit: On December 1, Kuwait hosted the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, bringing together the leaders of the Gulf nations to discuss regional issues and enhance cooperation. The Kuwait declaration called for an immediate cessation of war crimes in Gaza and an end to the Zionist occupation of Palestinian territories.
Oil breakthroughs
Kuwait made significant strides in its oil sector in 2024 with multiple achievements in refining and exploration. Al-Duqm refinery: On February 7, His Highness the Amir, alongside Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, inaugurated the Al-Duqm Refinery, a major step in bolstering the region’s refining capacity. The estimated $7 billion refinery complex has the capacity to refine 230,000 bpd of crude oil, with 65 percent of its capacity allocated to Kuwaiti oil. Al-Zour refinery: On May 29, His Highness the Amir also inaugurated the Al-Zour Refinery, one of the largest of its kind in the region, further strengthening Kuwait’s position as a key player in the global oil market.
Oil discovery at Al-Nokhatha: In a major discovery, the Kuwait Oil Company announced on July 14, the finding of significant commercial quantities of light oil and associated gas in the offshore Al-Nokhatha field, located east of Failaka Island. Preliminary estimates of the hydrocarbon reserves present at the well amounted to 3.2 billion barrels, the country’s entire production in three years.
Mega infrastructure projects
In 2024, Kuwait launched several long-delayed projects aimed at boosting the country’s development. These initiatives are expected to address critical issues, ranging from the deterioration of roads to the maintenance and upgrading of the electrical network.
Roadworks contracts: On October 23, the Ministry of Public Works signed 18 contracts worth KD 400 million with both local and international companies. Over the next three years, the project will focus on upgrading 8,400 km of roads across the country, which have long been a source of frustration for drivers.
Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port: On December 18, the Cabinet approved a decree to accelerate the construction of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, a project that will play a pivotal role in boosting Kuwait’s maritime trade and regional connectivity.
Electricity and water contracts: Following a summer marked by record-breaking electrical loads and scheduled outages to protect the country’s grid, the Ministry of Electricity and Water signed two major maintenance contracts on December 28, valued at KD 238 million.
Sporting triumphs
2024 was a year of remarkable sporting achievements for Kuwait, highlighted by success on the international stage. Paralympic gold: Faisal Sorour won a historic gold medal in the men’s shot put - F63 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on September 7, bringing pride to Kuwait. Khaleeji Zain 26: The 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, known as Khaleeji Zain 26, kicked off on December 21 at the Jaber International Stadium, showcasing the region’s top football talent and fostering unity through sport.
Archaeological discoveries
2024 also witnessed significant archaeological discoveries that shed light on Kuwait’s rich historical heritage. Bronze Age Temple: On November 9, a Kuwaiti Danish team unveiled a new temple on Failaka Island, dating back to the Dilmun civilization, approximately 4,000 years ago. Ancient Pottery in Subiya: On November 17, the Kuwaiti Polish archaeological mission announced the discovery of pottery and ornaments in the Subiya desert, believed to be from the Ubaid period of Mesopotamia, dating back over 7,700 years.
Notable Deaths
In 2024, Kuwait mourned the passing of several prominent figures who had a lasting impact on its political, economic, and cultural landscape.
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Sharekh: The founder of Sakhr Software Company passed away on March 6. The tech pioneer is credited as the first person to develop an Arabic-language operating system for computers.
Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah: The Chief of the Kuwait National Guard died on August 12, leaving behind a legacy of service to the country.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah: Former Prime Minister who passed away on September 16.
