KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Cabinet ordered on Tuesday expediting the execution of the Entertainment City project, which has been in the planning stages for nearly eight years. Once one of Kuwait’s top leisure destinations, the Entertainment City closed in 2016 with aims to renovate it. The project has since been under discussion by the government, with initial approval by the Municipal Council for expanding the project site to 2.65 million square meters. Subsequent decisions in 2019 and 2024 refined the project’s scope, with approvals for detailed plans and environmental studies. Most recently, in July 2024, the Municipal Council approved the transfer of project oversight to the Kuwait Investment Authority, with provisions for adapting the project site as needed.

The Kuwait Tourist Projects Company has formed a team of consultants to explore ways to develop the new entertainment city in the Doha area, aiming to generate significant economic returns and attract international investors for its development and operation. A study estimated the project’s total cost at approximately KD 200 million. The project is expected to contribute KD 85 million to the GDP by 2035 and create 4,000 new jobs, with an estimated 900,000 visitors by 2030.

Cabinet called on the Kuwait Investment Authority on Tuesday to complete the project as soon as possible, ensuring that it aligns with Kuwait’s broader development, investment, and tourism goals.

The directives came during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting held in Bayan Palace and chaired by Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In its latest meeting, the Kuwaiti Cabinet reviewed several significant reports and initiatives that will shape the country’s future in key sectors, including retirement policies, urban green development, and investment projects.

Green initiatives

The Cabinet also approved donations aimed at enhancing the beauty of Kuwait’s streets, gardens, walkways, public squares, and memorials. The donations have come through the committee for green urban development initiatives, which was formed based on a 2024 ministerial decision. The committee is focused on beautifying Kuwait through decorative planting and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of public spaces.

Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Al-Ahmadi and Chairman of the committee, presented the committee’s progress and outlined donations from individuals, companies, and cooperative societies that support these green initiatives. A new website will also be launched to facilitate requests and donations related to ornamental planting, which will be reviewed by the committee in cooperation with relevant governmental entities.

The Cabinet expressed its full support for the green urban development initiatives, commending the committee for unifying government efforts and accelerating the procedures for implementing these initiatives.

Retirement policy

The Cabinet reviewed a presentation from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) regarding a decision from the Civil Service Council to establish a clear and systematic approach for employee retirements. The goal is to ensure that retiring employees are replaced with younger talent, a move aimed at revitalizing the workforce with fresh energy.

Dr Essam Saad Al-Rubaian, Head of CSC, and Ahmad Hamad Al-Thunayan, Acting Director-General of PIFSS, explained the criteria for full pension eligibility under the Social Insurance Law. According to the law, women aged 50 with up to 30 years of service and men aged 55 with the same amount of service will be eligible for a full pension. Additionally, contract-based employees are terminated once they reach the age of 55, without renewing their contracts.

In line with this, the Cabinet tasked the Public Institution for Social Security with providing the Civil Service Commission a list of employees eligible for full pensions and moving forward with the necessary steps to implement the decision. — KUNA