KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving ahead with plans to launch its first central vehicle auction market, a long-delayed project intended to organize the country’s car trading sector and create a structured marketplace for buyers and sellers.
On Saturday, the Public-Private Partnership Authority announced that it has invited local and international companies to submit expressions of interest to build and operate the auction market. Forms are available on the authority’s website and must be submitted via email, along with a hard copy delivered in person. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, January 29, at 12:00 noon Kuwait time.
The project, first proposed in 2019 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the first of its kind in Kuwait. It covers roughly 500,000 square meters across Al-Abrq, Al-Naayem and Al-Liyah. The market is planned to include auction halls, car showrooms, technical service areas and open-air spaces for vehicle inspection. Both in-person and digital auctions will be available.
“The project aims to organize and modernize vehicle auctions in the country, ensuring transparency and efficiency,” the authority said. It will also develop a comprehensive digital auction system alongside traditional facilities, following international best practices. Additional goals include strengthening the vehicle trading sector, protecting consumer rights and attracting experienced investors and operators from Kuwait and abroad.
According to Al-Jarida, the market is designed to consolidate vehicle sales in a single location, reduce informal sales in public spaces and lower vehicle emissions and dust. Part of the site will be used for car showrooms, moving commercial activity out of residential areas. The complex will include halls for used cars, offices for car trading, government offices and supporting services. It will be located on Salmi Road, about 10 minutes from Jahra. It connects directly to major roads and is strategically located near key commercial and industrial centers, with easy access to regional transport routes leading to border crossings.
Although the market is expected to be completed in 2026, progress has been slow. Preparatory studies began in 2020, and delays were caused by land and infrastructure issues, including awaiting municipal approval for the site, according to Al-Jarida.
But after years of stagnation, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry held a high-level meeting in October 2025 with the Minister of Municipality Abdullatif Al-Meshari, the Public-Private Partnership Authority, and consulting firms to review the project’s components, initial designs and execution plan. Preparatory work has included signing consulting contracts in February 2025 with a local consortium to conduct financial, engineering, legal and environmental feasibility studies under the Public-Private Partnership Law No. 116 of 2014.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel said in October that the project is an important step in organizing the vehicle market and developing infrastructure. The ministry is working with the Public-Private Partnership Authority to set timelines and coordinate execution. — Agencies
