Kuwait has signed a $4.1 billion agreement with China to construct the Mubarak Al-Kabir port on Bubiyan Island, a key component of the Gulf state’s plan to diversify its economy and expand its role in global trade. The deal, valued at 1.28 billion Kuwaiti dinars, covers engineering, procurement, and construction services, according to Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who emphasized that the project would strengthen Kuwait’s regional and international trade connectivity. China’s acting chargé d’affaires, Liu Xiang, said the agreement reflects Kuwait’s growing involvement in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two nations had previously signed seven memoranda of understanding in 2023, covering housing, water treatment, and renewable energy projects.

Analysts view the port as a strategic investment that could enhance Kuwait’s logistics capacity and attract foreign trade flows. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project seen as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s long-term economic diversification strategy.

A tragic incident at Kuwait's Mina Abdullah Port has claimed the lives of three migrant workers after a water tank exploded during a chemical cleaning operation. The explosion occurred while the workers were using chemical substances to clean the inside of the tank.

According to Gulf News, the blast may have been triggered by a chemical reaction intensified by the extreme heat currently affecting the region. All three victims were inside the tank at the time of the explosion, leaving no chance for rescue.

Emergency responders, including police, ambulance services, and forensic teams, arrived at the scene promptly following the explosion.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether proper safety protocols were followed during the operation. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about worker safety, especially regarding the training and protective equipment provided to migrant laborers performing high-risk tasks.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that a five-member delegation, led by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, will embark on a three-day official visit to Kuwait on February 16.

During the visit, General Zaman will meet with high-ranking military and civilian officials of the Kuwaiti government to discuss bilateral military cooperation. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations, facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait, and boost the morale of Bangladeshi personnel engaged in Operation Kuwait Reconstruction.