Kuwait’s construction contracts are set to reach $17.5 billion by the end of the year from $9.8 in 2011 with major infrastructure projects on the line, according to a recent report.

 

The key infrastructure projects under various stages of planning and construction include Kuwait International Airport (KIA) re-development project, Kuwait Metro project and the Kuwait National Rail Road System, said the Ventures Middle East report.

 

In line with these industry developments, The Big 5 Kuwait, Kuwait’s largest building and construction exhibition, will launch its second edition from September 22 to 24 at the Kuwait International Fair.

 

The exhibition will showcase a comprehensive range of innovative products and technologies for the construction sector.

 

It will also feature a ‘Live Demonstration Theatre’ to give hands-on demonstrations of the new products along with other special events such as FM Congress, certified workshops, networking round tables and a ‘How to Trade in Kuwait’ seminar.

 

The events have been designed with the Kuwait construction market in mind to ensure the continued professional development of its delegates, said a statement.

 

The $698.5 million KIA redevelopment project is one of the key projects in the country, which includes improvement of airport buildings and enhancement of other facilities such as fire stations, rescue centres and service roads, said the report.

 

The planned expansion will increase the airport’s annual capacity to 20 million passengers, while the construction of the $3.3 billion second terminal will be able to handle 13 million passengers annually during the first phases, with plans to increase to 25 million and 50 million during subsequent phases.

 

The $7 billion Kuwait Metro project, which is currently in the stages of design and supervision, will cover more than 160 km, comprising 69 stations on its three lines. It is nearly 65 per cent underground.

 

Meanwhile, the Kuwait National Rail Road System to be built at an investment of $10 billion will be an integrated rail network with a total length of 511 km double track, said the report.

 

The project is currently in the final process of design with budget and allocation being already made and the tendering process set to commence soon. It will be build on a ‘build, operate and transfer’ (BOT) basis, it said.

 

Andy White, group event director, The Big 5, said: “The demand for fresh technology and new building material is on a steady rise in Kuwait, driven by a robust performance of the construction and infrastructure sector. The total cost of infrastructure and construction projects in 2014 will touch $23.2 billion. 

 

“All this activity strongly supports the need for The Big 5 Kuwait, which is set to present the latest tools and equipments for the construction sector during its second edition. With a greater exhibition area on offer, we are confident that we will continue to provide industry professionals with an opportunity to source new and international products, a place to network and also an opportunity to continue their professional development through the series of free to attend educational features.” - TradeArabia News Service