Kuwait City: Kuwait has witnessed several significant developments over the past century, ranging from the construction of a defensive wall in 1920 to the groundbreaking appointment of the first female minister in 2005. These events have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's history and modern landscape.
According to Kuwait News Agency, in 1920, under the rule of Sheikh Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait constructed its third wall following the Hemdh Battle. This five-mile-long, four-meter-high wall was made from mud and gypsum, stretching from the Watya coast in the Qibla area to Bneid Al-Gar in the East. The wall, which included five gates known locally as Derwazas, was demolished in 1957 to accommodate the growing population, though the gates were preserved.
In 1968, a Diwaniya for senior citizens was established in downtown Kuwait City, offering a gathering space for the elders of the community. Four years later, the Municipal Council elections took place in 1972, with Bader Yusuf bin Essa initially chairing the council before being succeeded by Abdulaziz Al-Adsani. This council operated until its final session in June 1976.
The year 1980 marked a shift in economic strategy, as the Kuwaiti government approved a draft law to organize foreign direct investment, aiming to bolster the nation's economic landscape. In 1985, the nation mourned the loss of Ahmad Sayyed Hashem Al-Gharabally, a prominent businessman and founding member of the Kuwait Cinema Company.
In a move that positioned Kuwait as a regional pioneer, the Kuwait Ports Authority in 2002 waived duties on commercial ships using its ports. This initiative was the first of its kind in the region, aiming to enhance trade and commerce.
A historic milestone was achieved in 2005 when Dr. Maasouma Almubarak was appointed as Minister of Planning and Minister of State for Administrative Development, becoming the first Kuwaiti woman to hold a ministerial position.
The subsequent years saw further developments, including the passing of Abdullah Al-Dekheel Al-Rushaid in 2009, who served as Minister of Public Works and had a significant role in sports and housing development. In 2011, a parliamentary interpellation against Deputy Premier Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah was removed from the agenda following his resignation.
In 2016, the Kuwaiti parliament approved a public tenders' law, further refining the nation's legislative framework. Most recently, in 2022, the National Assembly unanimously approved a law granting prisoners KD 3,000, reflecting ongoing reforms in the country's legal and social systems.
These events collectively highlight Kuwait's dynamic history and its evolving socio-political and economic landscape over the decades.