Kuwait has traditionally not been the first country that pops into mind when thinking about entertainment in the Middle East.
However, there are exciting developments in the pipeline led by Sheikh Sabah Badr Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Governor of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, which will change that narrative.
Kuwait is keen on incorporating entertainment and tourism into its plans to wean its economy off oil revenue due to the global pivoting from fossil fuels and the volatile hydrocarbon market.
This move will improve the quality of life for its citizens and bolster Kuwait’s bid to compete with other established lifestyle and leisure-driven economies worldwide.
Entertainment as an Economic Pillar
During an inspection tour of the soon-to-open Messila Beach project, the Governor reiterated his commitment to establishing and developing high-quality entertainment projects.
The project is an exciting glimpse into Kuwait’s plans for its entertainment sector. The 70,000 square-metre expanse of land features swimming pools, multi-purpose event halls and food & beverage zones.
The beach will serve as a blueprint for modern, family-friendly, commercial recreation and will promote the community ethos that Kuwait wants to espouse. It also encourages spending, creates jobs, and will attract local and international tourists.
According to Abdullah Al-Jaafar, the chief executive office of the Tourism Enterprises Company, Messila Beach will satisfy the local demand for more leisurely activities.
The project will serve residents and catch the eye of visitors, employing a strategy that has worked successfully in other Middle Eastern nations.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have made entertainment a crucial pillar of their long-term economic thinking, and Kuwait is keen to jump on the bandwagon.
Unfortunately, Kuwait is a bit late to the party. They will need to quickly find a niche segment and invest in areas that have not become saturated.
The Private Sector and Investment Opportunities
One of the most promising aspects of this desire to build a boisterous tourism and entertainment-dependent economy is that the private sector is getting involved.
Sheikh Sabah Badr Al-Sabah believes private enterprises are pivotal in improving infrastructure and maintaining quality standards.
Involving the private sector will accelerate the project and open the door to a stream of investment opportunities in hospitality, retail, logistics and digital services.
Foreign and local investors will be delighted with the developments. Kuwait’s pivot to entertainment allows them to tap into a potentially lucrative market early.
Kuwait already has a sizeable consumer base. The country has a population of over four million people which features a tech-savvy majority eager for new experiences.
The iGaming Sector Could be Kuwait’s Digital Wildcard
While Kuwait is currently focused on brick-and-mortar projects such as Messila Beach it cannot overlook other economically lucrative forms of entertainment.
For instance, sports betting, casino games, fantasy sports and eSports are hugely popular worldwide. They are collectively one of the fastest-growing modes of digital entertainment and Kuwait must capitalise.
Gambling is still prohibited in Kuwait. The country runs on religious laws that are vehemently opposed to the activity, but iGaming is more than just games of chance.
Skill-based gaming, mobile eSports, and fantasy sports platforms are all revenue-generating opportunities that do not trample on Kuwait’s values.
Numerous real money online casinos in Kuwait already operate there under international law, and the country must tap into this lucrative sector to diversify its economy.
The iGaming sector offers plenty of elements that could boost the local technology economy. These include cryptocurrencies, payment processing infrastructure, digital marketing and cybersecurity services.
Many other countries have developed entire digital economies around iGaming frameworks. Kuwait does not need to copy their model verbatim, but it can compromise for a regulated and culturally appropriate version that appeals to the youth-driven digital economy.
Tourism, Quality of Life, and National Identity
While the primary goal of projects such as Messila Beach is to bolster the economy, they are also designed for cultural renewal and national identity.
Sheikh Sabah Badr Al-Sabah reiterated that projects of this nature will improve the quality of life of the average citizen. This cannot be measured purely by revenue or a thriving job market.
The impact is reflected in everyday experiences. Residents will have access to leisurely, family-friendly spaces and digital platforms that keep them engaged and entertained.
These ambitious entertainment projects are not only luxury enterprises but also essentials for the modern image Kuwait is trying to cultivate.
