Rigidity and openness are mutually exclusive. The government has approved opening the door to visits, but some concerns remain. For example, why are tourists not treated better than they are being treated now? It is as if tourists are doing them a favor, instead of being the ones who encourage public spending and boost commercial activity in the nation.
In this sense, numerous issues must be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities in order to address them, following the example of other Gulf countries that encourage everyone to visit, because they believe that visitors are the lifeblood of the economy, in one way or another. On the other hand, people who come to us might be looking for an opportunity to develop a project that benefits the country, or they might be seeking work that adds value, or they might want to visit their family or friends.
In all cases, they spend money they would have spent in their home countries when visits were prohibited. Spending on tourism abroad was substantial, and this undoubtedly cost the State a lot. So why, for instance, are they preventing someone to look for work if he holds a visit visa? This is a significant step and we thank those who have taken it. However, it can be utilized to support the national product if the issues are resolved. The country needs numerous projects – service-oriented, developmental, tourism-related and others.
This will open the door for investors to actively engage in the available investment opportunities. Without a doubt, this also necessitates many facilities, not for foreigners, but for the local investor who is a reflection of the local economy to others – whether foreign, Arab or even from the Gulf. If capital owners see the obstacles that local investors are facing, they will not be comfortable dealing with them. This is why they are reluctant to invest in Kuwait. As a result, when we compare ourselves to our Gulf neighbors, we highlight our shortcomings, which must be addressed quickly, particularly regarding the freedom of commercial activity and the openness that these countries have fostered to attract a huge number of investors, visitors and others who contribute to their economies.
While we observe these countries easing life for locals and tourists by granting everyone many amenities, the opposite is happening in Kuwait. For example, if a visitor has the same name as another person, the visitor is denied entry. If someone has an outdated security restriction and belongs to a nationality not permitted to visit Kuwait, but holds residency in another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country, he is prevented from entering or face obstacles.
In contrast, in other GCC countries, their procedures are expedited, allowing them to enter, conduct their business and leave. What about the projects we have and those of others? In Dubai alone, more than 10 projects that cost hundreds of millions of dollars are currently under construction. Some rely on government funding, while others involve investors from other countries.
New hotels are also being built. Similarly, Abu Dhabi has several entertainment projects, the same is true in Ras Al Khaimah, while waterfront development projects are underway in Umm Al Quwain. All these projects serve the economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Last year, the non-oil sector accounted for more than 75 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. Meanwhile, in Kuwait, we have been hearing about entertainment projects for years.
Newspapers are filled with ministerial statements about some of them. Nevertheless, in reality, most people see them as mere dreams. Citizens have not seen any of these projects materialize, because the government has neither implemented them, nor allowed citizens to do so, nor opened the door for foreign investments. Furthermore, it has not provided incentives or facilities for local investors to become active and implement any development projects.
Thus, if we are to keep pace with other Gulf economies, we must begin by developing the service infrastructure, including hotels, entertainment projects and other development initiatives. We must provide incentives for local and foreign investors to implement such projects.
What prevents us from having the largest mall in the region, as well as a major hotel chain, entertainment venues, and more? Does Kuwait have no right to compete in these sectors, given the government and private funds invested abroad due to the difficulties with local investment? We pose these questions to His Highness the Prime Minister and to all those concerned, in the hopes of moving beyond mere dreams and pronouncements to a reality where citizens play an active role in the development of a regionally competitive economy
