Govt to partner with private sector • Project to offer waterfront dining, wellness facilities
KUWAIT: Green Island, one of the country’s iconic leisure destinations, is about to get a major upgrade. Officials unveiled plans for the island’s redevelopment, aiming to turn it into a modern, sustainable and fully integrated tourist attraction by 2027.
“This project is one of the nation’s most promising tourism initiatives,” said Minister of Information, Culture and Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi during the project’s launch presentation. “It reflects a bold vision to modernize recreational facilities and strengthen Kuwait’s appeal as a cultural and tourist destination.”
Al-Mutairi emphasized that the project enjoys strong support from the country’s leadership, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister. “This backing is essential to accelerate tourism development, diversify the economy and enhance quality of life,” he said.
For decades, Green Island has been a cultural and recreational landmark. “It was the first artificial island in the Gulf when it opened in 1988 and has long been a key destination for families and visitors,” said Anwar Al-Helailah , CEO of Tourism Enterprises Company. His firm recently partnered with Global Integrated Services Company to implement the redevelopment, aligning with Kuwait Vision 2035.
Minister Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi
Khalid Al-Marzouq
Anwar Al-Helailah
The audience view renders of the project, which officials say will respect the island’s history while introducing modern facilities.
Project details
Al-Helailah highlighted that the project respects the island’s history while introducing modern facilities. Planned features include waterfront restaurants and cafes, a glass dome, a wellness and fitness center, a theater, children’s play areas, sports clubs, multipurpose halls, cultural and educational spaces and extensive green zones with walking and sports paths. “Sustainability is central, with renewable energy, increased greenery, and marine conservation,” he said.
Khalid Al-Marzouq, Vice Chairman and CEO of Ab’ad Real Estate Group, said the project reflects the state’s strategy to diversify the economy and enhance domestic tourism. “Private sector involvement is vital for advancing tourism development and elevating Kuwait’s profile,” he said. He added that the design preserves the island’s historic landmarks while offering a diverse, modern visitor experience that combines culture, nature, and leisure.
The ministry, Al-Mutairi said, is working closely with government bodies, the private sector and civil society to ensure the project succeeds. Digital initiatives like the Visit Kuwait platform will play a key role in promoting the island and other tourism assets internationally. “We are keen on measuring impact through visitor satisfaction, operational quality, and promotional effectiveness,” Al-Mutairi added.
The redevelopment is expected to boost the local economy through job creation and by supporting small and medium enterprises involved in services and events. Al-Mutairi stressed that the goal goes beyond updating a recreational site. “We aim to provide a complete visitor experience, with clear standards for quality, safety, cleanliness and accessibility,” he said. — KUNA
