Since the beginning of modern planning, Kuwait City and Al Murqab land allocation has been reviewed in the light of various master plans. The planner confirmed that Al Murqab land should maintain its residential land-use. It was envisioned that the land could accommodate more than 1200 housing units to serve Kuwait City and create the necessary mix that supports a vibrant city. Kuwait Municipality attempted to achieve this plan and designated the land to the Public Authority of Housing Welfare, however, the project failed to be realized.

Eventually, the latest master plan was approved through an Amiri Decree. This plan sought to accomplish the vision of His Highness the Prince of Kuwait to transform Kuwait into an international and regional business and financial centre. Based on this ambitious vision, the planner changed the land use of Murqab from residential to commercial and proposed to create an urban project that helps achieve Kuwait’s vision.

The Kuwait Municipality concluded the “Kuwait City 2030” Study in 2017, which proposed to designate the site for the creation of a prime financial district with mixed use development such as: a major transportation hub, conference centre, hotels, parks, residential and commercial towers, entertainment activities, and public amenities. It is hoped that the decision makers don’t take this project lightly; it is a vital project which will occupy the last virgin land in Kuwait City, and has the ability to transform it completely.  To achieve this transformation we need to prioritize quality over quantity. We should not be tempted to copy international urban models which seem to be successful but in reality suffer from various defects.

I hope that the project would be based on a comprehensive development vision that takes into consideration social and cultural dimensions beside economic aspects.

It is also crucial to change the traditional governmental method for tendering projects, which tenders every aspect of the project as a single package targeted at large investors. This might seem like the easiest path, but it has proven to be unsuccessful. This leads to a project either succeeding as a whole or failing completely!

On the other hand, if a high quality master plan is prepared which divides the project into smaller packages that are then tendered to small or medium investors,this would be more feasible; it would enhance the economy, create a healthy competitive atmosphere, and ensure high-quality and speedy execution.

Al Murqab Project is a valuable opportunity. It is hoped that it becomes a true development project which is creative, modern, yet inspired by traditional Kuwaiti Architecture and Urbanism.

From an urban planning point of view, the site should be divided into small to medium size blocks, planned with fine-grained urban fabric and avoids the creation of large isolated plots which have many negative urban impacts.

At this critical period, where resources are scarce and the world is rapidly changing, Al Murqab should be a unique urban project that is environmentally friendly and employs state-of-the-art sustainable technology and renewable energy.

The project should follow healthy urban trends which limits the dependency on private vehicles and provides various public transport alternatives. Equally important, is to ensure the creation of a connected, continuous, and comfortable pedestrian network.

I hope that decision makers realize the importance of this valuable land, give it the necessary thought that it deserves, and create a development model that distinguishes itself from previous mediocre projects. We wish to see Al Murqab become a sustainable, vibrant and outstanding center; not a mere real estate commercial venture.

إن القرارات التخطيطية لها آثار إجتماعية و إقتصادية مباشرة. كما أنها يجب أن تتخذ وفق رؤية تنموية شاملة و أن تتوافق مع قيم المجتمع و تطلعاته. و هنا أود أن أتطرق إلى مشروع المدن العمالية الذي يعتزم جهاز الشراكة مع القطاع الخاص طرحة، حيث يهدف إلى إنشاء مدن عمّالية توفر سكناً ملائماً و تساهم في حل مشكلة السكن العشوائي للعمالة و وجود تجمعات غير مرغوب فيها بالقرب من الضواحي السكنية المخصصة للعائلات !!

بداية يجب أن ندرك إن حالة سكن العمالة اليوم ليست المشكلة، و إنما أحد أعراض المشكلة التي يعاني منها مجتمعنا !! فالمخطط يجب أن يسعى إلى رفع جودة الحياة لكل من يسكن في الدولة، و لذا فإن الحل المقترح بأن يتم نقل العمالة للسكن في مواقع على أطراف المنطقة الحضرية لا يُعد حلّاً حضارياً، و سيزيد من الإنقسام القائم في الاستعمالات الحضرية. و لا يعدو كونه محاولة لكنس الأوساخ تحت السجادة! فإن إبعاد المشكلة عن العين لا يعني أنها غير موجودة.

إن المدن الناجحة تسعى إلى مزيد من توطين الإستعمالات المتنوعة و التي تجمع السكان من مختلف الشرائح و الطبقات الإجتماعية و الإقتصادية، لما في ذلك من آثار إيجابية إجتماعية و عملية.

إن أحد أهم عيوب المدن العمالية المعزولة هو خلق بؤر عمرانية متدهورة، أو ما يطلق عليه (جيتو)، و مواقع حيث يسكن الأشد فقراً في المجتمع، و هي معرضة أكثر من غيرها لتصبح مواقع للتوتر الأمني و مراكز للمُمارسات الإجرامية.

كما إن تحديد مواقع هذه المدن سيجعل منها معالم للبلد، و إذا اسيء تنفيذها ستصبح مادة إعلامية سلبية تعبر عن سوء معالمة العمالة الوافدة في الدولة، كما نشاهد بشكل دوري انتقادات المنظمات الحقوقية و وسائل الإعلام العالمية عن  وضع العمالة في دول الخليج.

و لذا نأمل أن تنطلق القرارات التخطيطية من رؤًى إنسانية و تنموية و حقوقية و تسعى لرفع جودة البيئة العمرانية في الكويت، و تعمل على معالجة المشاكل من جذورها و تضع حدّاً للعمالة السائبة و إنخفاض الأجور و تحمي حقوق العمّال و تسعى لتقليص الفوارق الطبقية بين الجميع و توفر سبل الحياة الكريمة لكل من يعيش على أرض الكويت، فهذه هي التنمية الحقيقية.

Urban planning can have direct social and economic consequences. The decisions incorporated into urban planning and development must account for and be compatible with comprehensive visions and social values and goals.

Of utmost importance, the Labour Cities Project can aid economic and social progress through urban planning and development. The Labour Cities Project is sponsored by the Public Private Partnership Bureau in Kuwait. The project aims to provide adequate housing for labour, contribute to solving arbitrary housing issues, and establish housing within close proximity to single-family suburbs.

Importantly, we need to understand that the condition of labour housing is merely a symptom, rather than the cause, of the problem. Urban planning and development allows the planner to not only improve the urban environment, but also to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the country without discriminatory effect.

Accordingly, the decision to transform labour housing at the fringes of the metropolitan area is simply not a civilized solution.  Unfortunately, this is nothing more than an attempt to sweep the dirt under the carpet. Of course, not seeing the problem certainly does not make it disappear.

It is necessary to realize that successful international cities encouraging mixed-use housing successfully create both diverse social and economic groups of citizens. Using mixed-use urban planning has proven prosperous and shows tremendous social and practical advantages.

Without a doubt, the flaws of labour cities include the creation of centres that lead to urban decay and rundown sections of the city where the most disadvantaged people in society reside. These centres would be more susceptible to crime and instability.

Also, the creation of these so-called cities would highlight the existence of the problem. When completed poorly, these cities attract international human rights originations and media attention that highlight the mistreatment of foreign workers in Kuwait and the Gulf States.

Therefore, we hope for urban plans that are guided by humane, just, and comprehensive development visions. Treating the root of the problem by addressing key issues, such as illegal workers, low wages, and workers’ rights, the provision of dignified living conditions for all can be achievable. As well, this can decrease the disparity between different social and economic classes. Successful implementation of urban planning and development can bring true change to our society.

Last May, the Minister of Commerce in Kuwait announced the government’s intention to issue home business permits. This announcement incited varying reactions of both support and opposition, as well as from those who are assured and doubtful.
The announcement is considered a bold governmental step that creates an initiative for affordable alternatives. Home business permits encourage Kuwaitis to opt for the private sector and refrain from the inflated government sector.

It is essential to understand that any decision will have both advantages and disadvantages. Importantly, the general public tends to oppose innovative initiatives.
I would like to participate in this debate, and as listed here are what I see as clear advantages to permit the Kuwaiti public to run their businesses from home:

• This decision provides an affordable and safe path to start a small business; a decision that usually carries a large risk for a significant segment of society who have limited means.
• This decision allows a person to run a business from his/her residence, which eliminates the biggest obstacle from establishing small businesses, including high and exaggerated rents for commercial for office, showroom, and workshop spaces.
• This move corresponds with international trends that encourage people to work from home, as well as provides for areas where mix-use activities take place. This decision will not only lower the need for transportation, but also decrease traffic congestion and harmful environmental impacts.
• As well, home businesses have positive social impacts. Home businesses allow parents to be present at home during the day, which keeps parents close to their children, spouses, and attend to their needs. In addition, it empowers a sector of the society who were unable to hold formal employment due to family commitments. All of this contributes positively to the local economy.
• It is imperative to recognize that some home businesses have the potential to succeed and grow into large companies that benefit the local economy. In fact, some of the biggest firms today had humble beginnings, starting from basements and garages!

On the other hand, we must be aware of the dangers of this decision, especially considering the weakness of supervisory governmental agencies. This could lead to chaotic business practices that may harm residential neighbourhoods in various ways.
However, we need to stop collective punishment due to the practice of the small minority that the government fails to supervise, control, or punish when trespassing these regulations.
The decision to allow home businesses to operate in Kuwait is a courageous move. We understand its implication, and by no means do we take it lightly. We hope that it is well-studied, has an applicable framework, and permits Kuwaitis to own their home businesses similar to those in the modern, advanced world.