Sustainable development is not limited to largescale development projects which, despite their importance, do not create a local economy away from supporting factors and incentives to stimulate the local market. Therefore, the market cannot be revitalized through decisions that restrict economic activity and encourage spending abroad, while the true cycle of money lies in circulating funds locally and reducing wasteful spending abroad. I would like to talk about domestic tourism. Kuwait experiences high temperatures for about six months of the year. In spite of this, there are many facilities that, if utilized properly, offer numerous benefits and could revitalize the local economy.
Agricultural plots are primarily for ensuring food security. The owners of these plots have proven their dedication, especially during times of crisis, bearing high costs that subsidies cannot cover. Neighboring countries that are similar to Kuwait in terms of climate, customs and traditions have noted this. For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allowed farm owners to utilize some of their land to establish recreational facilities as part of domestic tourism, in addition to stimulating local production and the retail market through the direct sale of agricultural products to visitors who prefer to spend their weekends in this climate. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia encouraged small-scale local investment through citizen entrepreneurs working in various sectors that serve such facilities. These decisions revitalized the regional economy. However, industrial plots are hampered by new regulations that stifled individual initiatives among beneficiaries, preventing them from using the plots in ways that benefit the economy. These regulations prohibit beneficiaries from leasing part of the industrial plot or allocating a portion for workers’ accommodation. The productivity of workers improves when their house is near the workplace. The regulations also prevent the beneficiaries of industrial plots from selling the plots, thus, closing the door to the development of vital facilities.
In other areas, some decisions resulted in avoidable enormous losses. It would have been better to regulate the construction of carports in front of the homes of citizens and use some of the available spaces for home gardens, which could contribute to environmental improvement, in addition to providing economic and social benefits. If these spaces remain vacant, they increase environmental costs and do not serve the interests of the public. Solutions exist, but they require sound decisions that promote sustainable development. For instance, fees could be imposed on the use of the areas adjacent to the homes of citizens. The state can share the profits generated from the sale of various agricultural products with the citizens.
These decisions contribute to the development of the business environment, benefit the agricultural land holders, reduce costs, and help in the implementation of major development projects. The current regional developments are both political and economic in nature. Without a realistic and ingenious plan, Kuwait will miss the train of progress and will not be able to reap the expected benefits. The services provided by the business environment support economic stability and help generate revenue that benefits major projects. This necessitates an integrated process, as huge enterprises need local sales outlets and support tools that connect with people and encourage the individual initiatives, which Kuwait has relied on since ancient times. In short, envy and resentment do not build nations.