Economic expert Qais Al-Ghanim noted that the decision to close private schools in residential areas is not new, as the government has been discussing it for years. He explained that the implementation of the decision now falls within a broader regulatory framework. The decision is important and necessary overall. It takes into consideration the interests of all parties and provides school owners with sufficient time to adjust their operations.

Al-Ghanim emphasized that the success of the decision and the achievement of its objectives require strong government intervention to ensure effective implementation on the ground. He highlighted the importance of making government-owned land available and reaching agreements with school owners to use it under usufruct arrangements for specified periods, which would allow schools to be built in suitable areas away from residential neighborhoods. Al-Ghanim stressed that the government could also lease this land through Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts for school construction, describing this approach as the ideal solution. He noted that the decision offers significant benefits, including reducing traffic congestion and preserving the quality of life and comfort of residents in private residential areas.

Al-Ghanim warned of the potential exploitation of the decision by some parties through inflated land prices in remote areas. He revealed that a school owner had filed a complaint, stating that the price of a 3,000-square-meter plot in an outlying area had surged to approximately KD 12 million after the decision was announced, reflecting a significant increase driven by the schools’ urgent need to relocate.

Meanwhile, real estate expert Abdul Aziz Al-Dughaishim praised the Cabinet’s decision to close private sector schools in residential areas, highlighting that such schools have caused severe traffic congestion and considerable inconvenience for residents over the years. He explained that the unregulated expansion of schools within residential neighborhoods, along with congestion from school buses and parents’ vehicles, has distorted the urban landscape and reduced one of the important elements of residential appeal.

The actual need within residential neighborhoods is limited to small nurseries that serve local families. Such facilities do not cause the traffic congestion associated with large, densely populated schools. Al-Dughaishim stressed the importance of allocating land in vacant areas for the construction of new schools, with proper road networks and ample parking to accommodate the movement of parents and staff, in order to balance educational needs with the quality of residential life.

The issue is not just about the closure of schools within residential areas, but also the lack of suitable alternatives to accommodate private schools outside these neighborhoods. Relocating most private schools to investment zones has significantly increased traffic density and caused severe congestion in those areas, placing double the pressure on existing infrastructure.

The long-term solution lies in establishing new investment cities dedicated to educational and service activities, which would help reduce congestion in both residential and investment areas and promote a better urban balance. Regarding the decision to link the civil ID card to the residential address, Behbehani stressed that this decision is also old, but its current implementation is more flexible and aligns with the development of the e-government system.

He considered the decision a positive regulatory step, affirmed his support for it, and expressed his hope that everyone will adhere to it, which will contribute to better organization of housing and services. In addition, real estate expert Basma Al-Sultan affirmed that the decision represents a regulatory step aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing disruption for residents.

She emphasized the importance of considering the economic and social factors related to housing and investment in these areas. Al-Sultan pointed out that the decision may directly affect the attractiveness of some residential areas for families who prefer schools close to their homes, which could lead to a reassessment of housing demand in those locations in the coming period. From an investment perspective, she highlighted that relocating to other areas after the schools close could increase the value of those areas, especially if they offer comprehensive infrastructure, including education, transportation, and family amenities, thereby enhancing their investment potential.

Al-Sultan stressed the importance of providing accessible educational alternatives within proximity to residential areas to reduce pressure on families. She emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive services plan in the areas targeted for relocation, including educational, commercial, and mobile service facilities.

Al-Sultan highlighted the importance of coordination between government agencies and real estate developers to revitalize the value of areas affected by the decision through incentives or community projects. She indicated that regulatory legislation requires a balanced vision that combines residents’ comfort, protection of investors’ assets, and the creation of a more sustainable and higher-quality residential environment.

Suggested solutions for closing schools in residential areas:

1. Allocate separate areas away from private residences to establish new schools.
2. Release government land and grant it to schools under a usufruct system.
3. Implement BOT contracts for school construction in cooperation with the private sector.
4. Establish new investment cities to alleviate pressure on existing areas.
5. Limit the number of nurseries to small ones within residential neighborhoods.
6. Provide ample road networks and parking spaces in designated areas.
7. Regulate the real estate market and prevent speculation and price gouging in outlying areas.