15/06/2026 04:16 AST
National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is sponsoring the Second Kuwait Forum of Major State Development Projects (ENCON 5), organized by the Kuwaiti Federation of Engineering Offices and Consultant Houses in collaboration with Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare. The forum will be held on 14-15 June at the Crowne Plaza Hotel under the theme: "Investment Opportunities in Housing and Mortgage Projects - Transparency, Delivery, and Sustainability as the Principles of a New Era."
The event is held under the patronage of Eng Abdul Latif Hamad Al-Mishari, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs. The forum will bring together a broad range of participants, including representatives from government entities, financial institutions, engineering and consultancy firms, as well as real estate and investment companies, alongside a distinguished group of industry experts and specialists. Discussions will focus on the future of Kuwait's major development projects, investment opportunities within the housing and mortgage sectors, and the role of the private sector and financial institutions in supporting the country's national development agenda.
In his keynote address at the forum's opening ceremony, Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of NBK, underscored the significance of the current phase Kuwait is navigating amid rapidly evolving regional and global developments, stressing the importance of concerted efforts among all stakeholders to support the country's development agenda and accelerate the implementation of strategic projects.
"I am delighted to join you today at this important forum to discuss the future of development in Kuwait and the pivotal role we all share in shaping the country's next phase of growth and long-term prosperity. As regional and global dynamics continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative that we approach the future with a clear vision, strategic resolve, and the agility required to navigate an increasingly complex environment," Al-Sager said. "While we remain confident in the resilience of the Kuwaiti economy and its ability to navigate the implications of recent geopolitical developments, we look ahead with confidence to the next phase, one focused on moving beyond managing challenges toward accelerating sustainable growth and building a more diversified and resilient economy," Al-Sager added.
He further noted that economic reform will remain a key priority in the period ahead, through addressing structural challenges, enhancing the efficiency of the business environment, adopting more investment-friendly policies, and increasing capital expenditure levels. Such measures, he emphasized, will strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy and support its long-term sustainable growth trajectory.
Moreover, he noted that accelerating the implementation of development and infrastructure projects represents a fundamental pillar for stimulating economic activity across sectors, creating sustainable opportunities, and enhancing the country's competitiveness, thereby supporting Kuwait's broader development agenda. He emphasized that achieving these objectives requires a genuine partnership and effective collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and financial institutions.
"This collaboration serves as the cornerstone for overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities to build a better future for our country," Al-Sager stated. He further highlighted NBK's commitment to aligning its strategic objectives with Kuwait's national development plan, reinforcing its position as the government's leading partner in financing major strategic projects, while continuing to empower the private sector and provide financing solutions that support economic growth.
Al-Sager concluded his remarks by expressing his appreciation to the organizers of the forum and reaffirming his optimism for a brighter and more prosperous future for Kuwait. The forum's agenda features a series of panel discussions and specialized sessions addressing key issues related to the housing and mortgage sectors. Participants will explore the impact of development and mortgage initiatives on housing policies in Kuwait, investment opportunities available to real estate developers, and the role of banks and financial institutions in supporting the mortgage ecosystem and financing housing and development projects.
The sessions will also examine the Real Estate Developer Law, the opportunities it presents for the real estate sector, and the challenges associated with its implementation. In addition, discussions will focus on modern standards for planning smart and sustainable cities and their role in enhancing the urban environment, improving quality of life, and strengthening the sustainability of future projects.
Additionally, the forum will further address the future of housing finance and mortgage lending in Kuwait, as well as the role of modern urban planning in advancing the sector. Discussions will also highlight the contribution of Kuwaiti contracting companies to the implementation of the Real Estate Developer Law, alongside the legal and regulatory requirements needed to overcome challenges and encourage greater private sector participation in the development of housing projects.
ENCON 5 aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among government entities, private sector stakeholders, financial institutions, and investment organizations, while highlighting the opportunities associated with major development projects. It seeks to contribute to attracting investment, encouraging the participation of international companies, and providing local and global private sector players with greater visibility into the State's development pipeline, enabling them to prepare for participation and offer solutions and initiatives that support efficient and effective project execution.
The forum also focuses on promoting the principles of transparency, timely delivery, and sustainability in the implementation of major development projects, recognizing their vital role in advancing economic and social development, supporting the objectives of Kuwait's long-term vision, and strengthening the country's position as an attractive destination for investment and business.
NBK continues to strengthen its position as a leading financial institution in structuring and financing landmark transactions and transformational projects across Kuwait and the region, underpinned by the strength of its balance sheet, deep sector expertise, and enduring relationships with clients and stakeholders locally and internationally. The Bank remains well positioned to capture opportunities across regional markets, leveraging its long-standing track record in leading complex financing syndications and delivering tailored funding solutions for strategic, large-scale projects spanning diverse sectors of the economy.
Kuwait Times
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