KUWAIT CITY, Feb 24: The Tourism Enterprises Company has announced the opening of the second phase of the waterfront beautification project, coinciding with the State of Kuwait’s celebrations of National Days. The second phase spans 5 kilometers, starting from Green Island to the Yacht Club in Salmiya.

The official ceremony was sponsored by the Governor of the Capital, Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al-Ali, and attended by Hamoud Al-Falah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tourism Enterprises Company, along with Acting CEO Abdullah Al-Jaafar. Representatives from the Tourism Enterprises Company, investing companies along the waterfront, and the media were also present. The waterfront is one of Kuwait’s most prominent tourist and entertainment destinations, divided into two phases. The first phase extends from the Kuwait Towers to Green Island and opened in February 2024, while the second phase runs from Green Island to the Grand Mosque.

Thanks to its strategic location along Arabian Gulf Street, the waterfront offers a variety of facilities and services to meet the needs of all members of society. These include public beaches, children's play areas, and fully-equipped sports facilities. Additionally, the area features a wide range of restaurants and cafes, which enhance the visitor experience and add a unique charm to the site.

The project also includes 12.4 kilometers of jogging tracks and a dedicated 15.4-kilometer bicycle path along the waterfront. The company has prioritized sustainability, replacing traditional lighting poles with solar-powered ones and adding 40 electric car charging stations from the Dutch brand ALFEN, strategically placed throughout the project. Furthermore, 4,000 parking spaces have been renovated to improve accessibility and provide a more comfortable experience for all visitors.

In addition to the waterfront’s recreational spaces, the Tourism Enterprises Company has rehabilitated the beaches to serve as multi-use venues for events year-round. The company has also worked on restoring the natural landscape by removing harmful Conacarpus trees and replacing them with new trees and plants suited to Kuwait’s climate.

The company has added artistic elements to the waterfront, including artwork reflecting Kuwait’s culture and ecosystem. New benches, columns, barriers, and signboards have been installed throughout the area. The project also features models of ships inspired by Japanese origami, designed in the shape of Kuwaiti currency, as well as displays of the name "Kuwait" in both Arabic and English.

Hamoud Al-Falah, Vice Chairman of the Tourism Enterprises Company, emphasized that the opening of the second phase of the waterfront project demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing tourism and entertainment facilities that align with the aspirations of citizens, residents, and visitors. He noted that the project supports Kuwait’s position as a distinguished tourist destination by developing integrated, modern facilities that cater to all needs, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035. Al-Falah added that the project helps stimulate the local economy by attracting more visitors, revitalizing the hospitality and services sectors, and offering promising investment opportunities for both local and international institutions.

“This project marks a significant addition to Kuwait's tourism landscape,” Al-Falah said. “We designed the second phase with sustainability and quality in mind, ensuring that environmental elements and clean energy were incorporated at every stage. Modern technologies have also been utilized for managing the infrastructure and facilities.”

Al-Falah highlighted that the waterfront is not just a tourist attraction but a vital community space that meets the needs of diverse groups, including families, youth, and athletes. He emphasized that the company's ongoing development of future projects contributes to enhancing the quality of life in Kuwait.

Al-Falah affirmed that the Tourism Enterprises Company will continue to work on developing tourism and entertainment destinations in the country, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability to offer exceptional experiences for visitors.