Kuwait’s land border posts hold a lingering mystery — one that citizens have yet to uncover. For years, Kuwaitis have discussed the state of these posts. The Al-Reqei border post is reached only after navigating a sea of potholes that threaten vehicle safety, on a road so deteriorated it would be unfit even for the world’s poorest countries. The road leading to the Khafji border post was finally paved after years of neglect, yet the port itself remains in a state of disrepair.

Litter lines its sides, and it lacks any aesthetic enhancements. However, the starkest contrast appears at the border: Upon reaching the separation point between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the landscape transforms. Roads become smooth, trees are planted and the pavement is clean — a clear reflection of the prestige of the country one is entering.

A nation’s gateways — its ports — shape visitors’ first and last impressions. These impressions endure, influencing how the country is perceived. Every time we leave Kuwait by land or return, we witness a decline in its prestige, as if the country itself is pleading for attention. This ongoing neglect at these ports, along with the deteriorated road to one of them, damages Kuwait’s reputation among both its citizens and visitors.

Isn’t this failing enough to stir the conscience of those in power? If those responsible cannot resolve this issue, then leadership should be entrusted to those who can. This aligns with the firm governance that defines the vision for a new Kuwait — where excuses and delays have no place. The work must be done. We must restore the country’s dignity, which is diminished at these border posts. I raised this issue last year, and little has changed. If necessary, I will raise it again next year. We will not tire of reminding, because Kuwait is our home, and we will not stop striving to improve it.

local@kuwaittimes.com