Frustrated Kuwaitis ask, why is Kuwait falling behind?

Wednesday, 2 April 2014 1:04 PM

(Photo for illustrative purpose only)

With a youthful, well-educated population, strong relationships with both neighbours and world powers, and a strategic location on the Gulf, major oil producer Kuwait should be as dynamic a hub for the region as Dubai or Doha.

But while others in the Gulf have powered ahead, attracting foreign investment and developing infrastructure, Kuwait has stagnated, frustrating the people of a country once seen as a Middle East trailblazer.

This frustration is especially evident among young Kuwaitis, cosmopolitan and often educated abroad, who complain of bureaucratic red tape and dysfunctional politics, but also acknowledge complacency among their fellow citizens.

Although thousands took to Kuwait's streets in 2011 and 2012, seeking moderate political reforms, the demonstrations eventually fizzled, at least partly due to Kuwaitis' alarm over the chaos and rise of Islamists in the Arab Spring countries.

Kuwait's system of government handouts and well-paid, comfortable state jobs also blunted calls for change, whether in politics or in the state-reliant economy, observers say.

"We are very lucky that we are financially very comfortable," said Maha Al Baghli, president of the association of business and professional women in Kuwait and an advocate for female entrepreneurs.

"On the other hand, it is not encouraging entrepreneurs and hard work," Al Baghli told Reuters.

Sandwiched between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the country is one of the world's richest per capita, and more than half of its 1.2 million citizens are under 25.

Kuwait's leaders point to political deadlock in parliament that makes it difficult to get things done. But many observers say the government's frequent personnel changes, layers of bureaucracy and general ennui are also to blame.

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Posted by: Matt Williams Sunday, 20 July 2014 2:29 PM[UAE] - UAE

CORRUPTION is rife in Kuwait and that is why many companies just dont bother with it at some point in the game someone will come from somewhere and ask for money, if you dont pay you dont get the job and even if you do there is no guarantee you will be paid. Who the heck would want to work in these places, I think most of them think we are all a charity only here to serve them. Keep falling behind its your own fault.

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Posted by: Zaka Ullah Khan Sunday, 20 July 2014 12:18 PM[UAE] - Pakistan

Kuwaitis have to trim their noses and start looking and treating others with same positive attitude that they expect from others.

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Posted by: twit:YomalSidoroff Tuesday, 8 April 2014 6:39 PM[UAE] - Russia

The Kuwaity Monarchy is correct, NOT the democracy activists.

Dubai and Qatar thrive because they are autocracies.

The problems of Kuwait are democracy, political Islam and socialism.

Posted by: Mohammed Tuesday, 8 April 2014 8:13 PM[UAE] - UAE

Simply stated that addresses the core of Kuwait's problems. However Qatar, as well as, other neighboring GCC countries are making strides in their development path, but Kuwait has used its political system to stagnate their country which makes the situation in Kuwait highly controversial. The future generations in Kuwait should begin to utilize the system to counter this agenda because their future is on the line.

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Posted by: Ahmed Tuesday, 8 April 2014 6:39 PM[UAE] - UAE

Unfortunately Kuwait has a strong muslim brotherhood presence and that will never attract foreign investment or move the economy forward because of it is discriminatory and backward approach to women, communication and business.

Posted by: twit:YomalSidoroff Tuesday, 8 April 2014 8:13 PM[UAE] - Russia

Exactly.

I wrote the same thought at the same minute!

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Posted by: mumeen Sunday, 6 April 2014 11:24 AM[UAE] - kuwait

The main problem is that expats are downcast who work hard to make this little kingdom show up on the map. Unless the govt changes rules to let expats play equal role, take responsibility and authority, and be recognized for their performance, this or any other country will not improve. Kuwait seems to be the only GCC country which hates its development partners, i.e., the expats, the most. There is a hate culture. No expat is allowed an executive job. Everybody must work under locals and the locals don't know fair rules! So, everything is in a mess, to say the least.

Posted by: DNS Thursday, 15 May 2014 12:34 PM[UAE] - UAE/AUS

You all are correct. And could the other reason also be that Kuwait does not have a lot of oil compared to its other neighbours?

Posted by: Brock Tuesday, 8 April 2014 3:50 PM[UAE] - Canada

Truthfully stated! And certain members in government continue to blame the expats for rising prices. If it were not for the expats working and spending here, taking the country to where it is today, this place would be another hole in the desert.