Kuwait Achieves 100% Completion Rates In Key Global Indicators According To GCC-Stat

The Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) has highlighted Kuwait's impressive progress in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. The country has achieved full completion rates in critical areas like births under medical supervision, access to essential services, and safe drinking water and electricity. Kuwait also boasts complete birth registration for children under five and a 100 percent hazardous waste treatment rate.

In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, the nation aims to become a global financial hub with a private-sector-driven economy. This vision focuses on human development, competitiveness, and efficient production. It also seeks to establish a robust institutional framework that upholds national values and provides infrastructure for an advanced business environment.

According to GCC-Stat data, Kuwait's government revenue was 32.4 percent of GDP, with labour contributing 22.9 percent. In 2023, government spending reached US$85.543 billion. The non-oil sector contributed 48.8 percent to GDP at current prices, while GDP per capita was US$36,700. The inflation rate stood at 3.6 percent.

Kuwait ranks first globally in the ICT Development Index 2023 and 5G Technology Leadership 2023. It holds third place worldwide in the 2024 Tax Policy Index and eleventh in the Public Finance Index for the same year. Regionally, it ranks fourth in both the Investment Climate Index and Global Knowledge Index for 2023.

Kuwait is committed to aligning SDGs with its Vision 2035, believing sustainable development is vital for long-term growth. The national plan includes 164 development projects and 30 strategic initiatives aimed at creating an international economic zone and promoting a dynamic private sector while advancing public-sector privatisation.

The plan also focuses on enhancing public health, fostering transparent governance, building robust infrastructure, and improving global engagement. Five clean energy projects are underway, including the Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex, one of Kuwait's largest solar projects expected to complete its third phase by 2025.

Education and Research Advancements

Kuwait has opened Abdullah Al-Salem University to prepare a skilled workforce for the labour market. The university hosts three research centres: Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation Centre, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Centre, and Energy Resources Sustainability Centre.

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) continues its scientific contributions through various research centres focused on petroleum, water resources, environmental sciences, energy, and building research.

Infrastructure Projects

Kuwait is developing five sustainable health cities with 89,000 residential units. Among its ambitious infrastructure projects is the Doha Seawater Desalination Plant aiming to produce 60 million imperial gallons of fresh water daily using groundwater treatment methods.

The Al-Wafra Power Plant is another significant project within the GCC electricity interconnection system designed to export electricity beyond GCC borders starting with southern Iraq at an estimated cost of US$270 million.

These extensive projects underscore Kuwait's dedication to economic diversification, sustainability efforts, and technological advancements as it strives towards a prosperous future under His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's leadership.

With inputs from WAM