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China and Kuwait Advance $4bn Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port Project
Kuwait and China have taken a decisive step toward developing a new strategic port in northern Kuwait, formalising an agreement that accelerates construction of Mina Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port on Bubiyan Island. The project sits at the intersection of Kuwait Vision 2035 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with the ambition of transforming the country into a regional hub for sea freight and international trade.
A Cornerstone of Economic Diversification
The new port is central to Kuwait’s long-term plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Discussions around Mubarak Al-Kabeer have been ongoing for years, but momentum increased in 2023 when China and Kuwait signed multiple memorandums of understanding covering large-scale infrastructure, logistics, and industrial development.
On December 22, Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works signed engineering, supply, and construction contracts with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), one of China’s largest state-owned infrastructure groups. The total project value is estimated at around $4bn, underlining the scale of Kuwait’s commitment to expanding its maritime and logistics capabilities.
Positioning for Regional and Global Sea Freight
While detailed technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, Kuwaiti officials say the port will focus on manufacturing, light industry, and cargo handling, positioning Mubarak Al-Kabeer as a new gateway for regional and global sea freight flows. The port is expected to play a complementary role to existing Gulf hubs, while offering Kuwait a stronger foothold in east–west trade corridors.
CCCC noted that Mubarak Al-Kabeer will be its first Middle East port project partially constructed to Chinese standards, incorporating the group’s proprietary engineering methods, digital port technologies, and construction expertise.
Construction Progress and Timeline
According to Kuwaiti authorities, the project has already reached around 50% completion in its first phase. The initial configuration will include four berths, with the port expected to become operational by 2026. Once completed, officials say the overall port area will expand nearly tenfold, reaching approximately 116 million square metres.
The modern facility is designed to streamline cargo handling, improve supply chain efficiency, and support Kuwait’s emergence as a logistics hub serving the northern Gulf, Iraq, and beyond. Importantly, the port will also be linked to the planned Gulf Railway, strengthening multimodal connectivity between maritime, rail, and inland trade routes.
Geopolitical and Trade Implications
Located on Bubiyan Island near the Iraqi border, Mubarak Al-Kabeer is expected to intensify competition among regional ports seeking a larger share of transshipment and gateway cargo. Kuwaiti officials have highlighted the “mutual political respect” and alignment of interests with China, describing the project as a long-term partnership rather than a standalone infrastructure build.
As regional supply chains evolve and competition for sea freight volumes increases, the port is set to become a critical node in Gulf trade dynamics, linking Middle Eastern markets more closely with Asia, Africa, and Europe.
