GATE EXPECTATIONS
Kuwait hopes to become a global travel hub by establishing new international partnerships and developing regulation at home.
BIOGRAPHY
Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah is the President of DGCA. Prior to that, he held the position of Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from Kuwait University in 1982. His career began as a political researcher in the office of His Highness the Crown Prince, Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. In August 2013, he was re-appointed to hold the portfolios of the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, before his appointment as Chief of Civil Aviation in March 2017.How is the DGCA increasing the levels of effectiveness and efficiency of its airport management operations?
The DGCA is working hard at updating all its capabilities, human resources, technologies, and infrastructure. DGCA is also aiming to establish solid partnerships with international organizations specialized in aviation, as well as the private sector in order to elevate our capabilities in all services. Our objective is to have a hub linking east with west that takes advantage of Kuwait's geographical position. Additionally, we aim to create more jobs and commercial opportunities for our citizens trough effective strategies and by implementing a plan that enhances productivity, efficiency, and financial returns of all activities in the aviation sector. Effectiveness and efficiency have been defined by ICAO-ACI six key performance areas: core, safety and security, service quality, productivity and cost effectiveness, financial and commercial status, and environmental compliance. Over the last five years, the government has invested more than USD15 billion to achieve these goals and reach that target. We are now expecting to invest more than USD20 billion in the coming 20 years. These ambitious plans started within the DGCA and our industry partners, such as Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, and the National Air Services Company (NASC). All stakeholders started to work together to the level of their capabilities. Our first objective is finalizing the approval process and modernizing our aviation regulatory governance through the new draft law for aviation. This will allow us to interact in a more professional way with the private sector, both nationally and internationally.
In what ways can DGCA collaborate with local and international groups in order to develop the aerospace sector in Kuwait?
Our role as regulator is to certify and give support to any aviation training facility in Kuwait. It is our job to create the right working environment for these facilities, which is why we gave our full support to Boeing's program in Kuwait. It will train pilots and every other component of aviation, such as engineers.
What are your goals and expectations for 2019?
There are many important issues going on in 2019. This involves the approval of the aviation laws and regulations, revisions of the airport's master plan, setting up the aviation academy, enhancing the productivity of our current staff, and insuring the proper implementation of existing projects. We also need to set up an adequate air navigation system as well as ground handling, in addition to enhancing safety and security. We are thinking about revising our terminal's operational performance and strategy. Kuwait International Airport has four terminals that are fully operational and one under construction. It is important that in 2019 we start setting out our vision for the coming 20 years. We are also focused on finalizing the exclusive terminal two, making it operational and most importantly managed well. We are thinking about having more terminals within Kuwait International Airport as part of the new master-plan to cater for the next 20-year vision. Finally, under our contract with Incheon Airport, the recruitment of Kuwaitis and training 125 nationals every year in various airport operation and management functions will help ensure the drafted goals and DGCA's vision using dedicated budget for human resource development. Young Kuwaitis can acquire training in South Korea and Kuwait to build up their capabilities and performance as preparation for the new airport. The government is keen to see the aviation sector developing.
GATE EXPECTATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Adel Abdul Wahab Al-Majed , Chairman, Kuwait Banking Association (KBA)
Through a broad array of information, specialized committees, staff expertise, and other resources, KBA supports Kuwait's banks as they perform their critical role in energizing the economy and helping communities thrive.
read articleInterview
Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Director General, Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
KDIPA adopts a proactive approach to attract value-added direct investments supported by an integrated promotional strategy serving Kuwait's developmental goals in line with its National Vision 2035.
read articleCommuniqué
Legal Reform and Infrastructure Projects Spell Opportunity for Foreign Investors
Along with the introduction and modernization of new laws and regulations, the vision of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to transform Kuwait into an international center for commerce and industry by 2035 is already being implemented through Kuwait's National Development Plan. Coupled with the promulgation of progressive FDI regulations, these new opportunities spell positive news for foreign companies looking to conduct business in Kuwait.
read articleFocus: Developing connectivity
Connecting the Dots
Today, connectivity is hardly indispensible for individuals and the companies where they work. Kuwait's smart cities, considered elsewhere in the book, will thrive on it, and meanwhile the nation continues to register notable business deals from the informatics sector.
read articleInterview
Khalid Abbas , Country Manager-Kuwait, Unilever
Contributing to the improved health and wellbeing of communities and reducing environmental footprint are key priorities for Unilever, which is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of up to 1 billion people globally by 2020.
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Mohammed Yousif Soud Al-Sabah , Board Chairman & Director, Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR)
PAAAFR has adapted a package of policies to face challenges inherent to deserts, hot climate, and water scarcity, bringing Kuwait closer to achieving national food security, one step at a time.
read articleInterview
Yang Chunsen, Vice President/ Chief Representative, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCME) Kuwait
CSCME is a technology-driven company that leverages its R&D and long-standing partnership with the government to increase its participation in the future development of Kuwait.
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