Transport

Driven by measured government-backed investments, and in spite of the downward pressure from oil prices, the Kuwait transportation sector continued to grow in 2016-17. Improving connectivity regionally and globally – via air, land and sea links – is viewed as a state priority and a promising mechanism to drive non-oil economic growth. In support of government objectives, such as enhancing local and regional integration, boosting trade volume and creating new job opportunities, several major infrastructure projects are under way in the country, including the expansion of Kuwait International Airport and the construction of the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Causeway. These fall under the KD34bn ($112.5bn) Kuwait Development Plan 2015-20 framework, which aims to push through major economic reforms, implement a pipeline of bold projects to empower the private sector, and establish Kuwait as a regional trade and financial centre by 2035.

This chapter contains an interview with Sami Fahad Al Rushaid, Chairman, Kuwait Airways.