As Kuwait enters a new phase of development, the nation’s notable accomplishments across various sectors have strengthened its regional and international standing. These milestones reflect the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and the resilient spirit of the people, marking significant progress in diplomacy, development, science, culture, healthcare, and sports.
Diplomatic and Political Advancements
In the past year, Kuwait has made remarkable strides in diplomacy and development projects, as well as legislative reforms. The country has enhanced its foreign relations by signing key agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with countries such as Turkey, China, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Bahrain, and India. Additionally, Kuwait has solidified its leadership position through key milestones, including hosting the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, electing Kuwaiti Mohammad Al-Ajeri as Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, and reappointing Abdullah Al-Maatouq as Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General for the eighth consecutive year. Kuwait also secured the Vice President position in the Arab Union for Tourism Media, representing Asian countries.
Legislative and Developmental Milestones
Kuwait made significant strides in strengthening its legislative framework with new laws, including the Foreigners’ Residence Law, Traffic Law, Nationality Law, a draft law to regulate real estate rentals, and a proposed tax law for multinational entities. These laws aim to enhance residents’ rights, streamline administrative processes, and improve the business environment.
On the development front, Kuwait celebrated the full operational launch of the Al-Zour Refinery in May 2024, a major project under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The country also opened the Abdullah Al-Salem University and announced the establishment of the Kuwait National Center for Space Research. Furthermore, Kuwait won the Best Gulf Partnership Award for its collaboration with Oman on the Duqm Refinery Project.
Economic Strength and Achievements
International credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s, have reaffirmed Kuwait’s economic strength and stability. Seven Kuwaiti banks were ranked among the top 100 Arab banks for 2023, reflecting the country’s robust financial sector. In addition, Kuwait made significant discoveries, such as large quantities of light oil and associated gas in the Al-Nukhdha marine field. The country also made an archaeological breakthrough on Failaka Island, uncovering Bronze Age artifacts.
Oil, Industry, and Digital Transformation
Kuwait’s oil sector saw successes such as the Mina Abdullah Refinery ranking first globally in risk management engineering. The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company received the Green Shipping Award from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), recognizing its environmental efforts. Additionally, Forbes recognized Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, as one of the best CEOs in Kuwait and the sixth best in the Middle East and North Africa.
In the industrial sector, Kuwait launched the Tayhan Kuwait factory, its first facility dedicated to fiber optic cable production. The country has also made strides in digital transformation, launching e-government services and partnering with Google to create state-of-the-art data centers. Moreover, Kuwait revamped its official environmental portal, “Our Environment.”
Security, Healthcare, and Scientific Advancements
Kuwait’s security services were recognized for their effectiveness, with the country topping the Gallup International Index as the safest country in the world in 2023. Additionally, Kuwait ranked first in the Communications Sector Development Index for 2024, marking its second consecutive year at the top.
In healthcare, Kuwait received international recognition, with Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital ranked as the seventh-best hospital in the world for breast surgery. The country was also praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its immunization efforts. In science, Kuwait achieved significant milestones, including earning several patents in nanotechnology and winning multiple awards in scientific research. Dr. Fawaz Al-Zaid became the first Kuwaiti member of the World Council of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, while Professor Dr. Musa Khorshid became the first Gulf physician to receive an honorary fellowship from the American College of Surgeons.
Youth and Education Achievements
Kuwaiti students achieved international success, with Kuwait University’s team winning the Best Robot Construction Award at the VEX Robotics World Championship. Other notable achievements included law student Fadia Al-Rifai winning first place in the Model United Nations competition, and three Kuwaiti students excelling at the Gulf Hackathon Competition for Artificial Intelligence in Public Education.
Sports Excellence
In sports, Kuwait hosted the 26th Gulf Cup and saw impressive performances from its athletes. The Kuwaiti Paralympic Athletics Team won 17 medals at the 12th Sharjah International Forum, while taekwondo athletes secured three medals at the Arab Cup Championship. Kuwait’s handball team qualified for the 2025 World Cup finals, and swimmer Mohammad Zubaid won a gold medal at the Arab Water Sports Championship. Notably, Faisal Sorour earned Kuwait’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Mohammad Al-Baz won the UAE International Jet Ski Championship.
These achievements are a testament to Kuwait’s commitment to progress and its leadership role in the region. They reflect the vision of Kuwait’s leadership and the aspirations of its people, positioning the country as a model for development and prosperity in the region and beyond.
