Kuwait Vision 2035 drives private sector growth, Kuwaitization

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 development plan is putting the spotlight on the private sector as a key driver of economic growth, diversification and job creation for Kuwaiti nationals. A central pillar of the plan is “Kuwaitization,” which aims to integrate more citizens into private-sector employment while balancing market needs with long-term national goals.

Mohammad Al-Muzaini, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Public Authority for Manpower, told KUNA that the strategy includes new legislative measures, specialized training, and incentives designed to increase the share of Kuwaitis in the workforce. These incentives include higher fees for hiring expatriates in positions that can be filled locally, revised labor support policies and initiatives to reduce wage gaps.

Educational institutions are also being engaged to prepare students through updated curricula, awareness programs and mandatory internships.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The private sector often requires rare skills, longer working hours and does not match the public sector’s attractive benefits, such as job security, maternity leave and other allowances. To address this, the government has introduced incentives for private companies to expand opportunities for nationals and created a Labor Relations Department to safeguard employee rights.

Highlighting the sector’s importance, Muhannad Mohammad Al-Sane, Board Member of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, said that the private sector’s historic and ongoing role in banking, finance, real estate and services. He stressed that Kuwait’s youth are well-positioned to lead innovation in these areas.

Former Finance Ministry advisor Mohammad Ramadan added that bridging the gap between job security and wages is critical. He argued that linking foreign worker fees to national employment and regulating pay structures could make private-sector jobs more appealing. He emphasized that a well-planned Kuwaitization policy could boost opportunities for Kuwaitis without undermining productivity.

With Vision 2035, Kuwait is moving to reshape its labor market by encouraging private enterprise and ensuring sustainable opportunities for nationals, while seeking to maintain competitiveness and economic growth.