“This includes activities; such as bird watching, diving, kayaking and desert camping, while preserving natural resources. Success in this sector depends on raising public awareness and engaging local communities to maintain a balance between economic development and environmental conservation,” he explained. Municipal Council member Dr. Hassan Kamal affirmed that the environmental, geographical and cultural diversity of the country positions it firmly on the ecotourism map. He said this includes nature reserves that host migratory birds; as well as its unique location at the head of the Arabian Gulf, which can be leveraged for cruises and marine life exploration, particularly through its integration into major projects like Silk City. Nevertheless, Kamal attributes the slow development of the sector to the absence of a government body specializing in tourism management — one that could draft legislation and coordinate among relevant entities. He also stressed the importance of encouraging private sector involvement and creating an attractive investment environment. He cited several challenges; including environmental degradation due to neglect and weak oversight, marine pollution, overfishing, and extreme summer temperatures. He underscored the fact that current infrastructure is inadequate and calls for a comprehensive tourism vision tied to quality of life and the national economy; supported by environmental, cultural, media and legislative frameworks to ensure the sustainability of the sector.

Dr. Jenan Behzad, Secretary General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, stressed that developing ecotourism is an investment in the future of the country. She said conserving natural resources enhances the quality of life for future generations and strengthens the position of Kuwait as a regional leader in this field. She added that achieving balance between economic growth and environmental protection is not a distant dream, but an attainable goal. She stated that Kuwait has the potential to become a leading player in mangrove tourism within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries; where mangroves span roughly 15,813 hectares, predominantly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with notable sites in Qatar and Oman — such as Jubail Mangrove Park, Al- Dhakira and Muscat coast. “This ecosystem not only stores carbon, protects coastlines, and supports biodiversity; but also holds economic value by creating jobs, supporting local products, and diversifying income sources.

It has social and cultural value through the protection of marine heritage and promotion of environmental education. Jahra Nature Reserve is a local example,” she elaborated. She disclosed that “since 2018, the area has undergone a mangrove planting experiment, positioning it as a unique destination for introducing this ecosystem into the ecotourism offerings of Kuwait.” She concluded by presenting proposals to develop this trail; including the creation of educational paths with signage and smart applications, school trips and expert-led tours, the establishment of a visitor center for environmental education, linking the project to Blue Carbon Market initiatives, and launching an annual environmental festival to promote community participation and environmental volunteering. Municipal Council Member and Chairperson of the Environmental Affairs Committee at the council Eng. Alia Al-Farsi, stated that Kuwait possesses numerous components suitable for ecotourism, though the sector remains in its early stages. She mentioned submitting a proposal to establish a bicycle park as a qualitative addition to the sector. She also emphasized the importance of the Mubarakiya area, with its rich heritage and cultural ties to both the marine and terrestrial environments; making it one of the Gulf and Arab region’s most prominent tourist destinations. Al-Farsi disclosed that the Kuwait Municipality is currently developing two major projects in support of ecotourism -- the Desert Adventures Project and Jahra Corniche Development Project. The latter includes a bridge specifically designed for observing migratory bird movements in the area.

According to the latest reports from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the global ecotourism market is expected to reach around $219.8 billion by 2024 — accounting for 12–15 percent of the total global tourism sector — with an annual growth rate of about 7.4 percent, surpassing that of traditional tourism. The market is projected to grow to $270.5 billion in 2025 and exceed $550 billion by 2035. In the Arab world, the share remains under five percent of the global market due to inadequate infrastructure and limited investment. Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Oman are leading the sector; while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are at the forefront in the Gulf region. Kuwait, despite its strong potential — including Bubiyan and Failaka Islands, migratory bird habitats, and the proposed ‘Mangrove Hills’ project — has yet to make a significant entrance into the market. Globally, Costa Rica, Kenya, Ecuador (Galápagos Islands), Iceland, Norway and New Zealand are among the most prominent ecotourism destinations. In the Gulf, the UAE leads the field, offering a wide variety of natural attractions that draw tourists from around the world. The country features 128 diverse environmental sites and boasts of breathtaking landscapes and varied terrains — from stunning deserts with dunes and oases to mountain ranges, valleys, beaches, mangrove forests and open plains.