Salmiya District Masterplan

The Salmiya District Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that guides development in the district of Salmiya in Kuwait over the next 15 years^{1 2}. The master plan sets a framework, including that of transportation, for the city, supported by infrastructure, planning, and design guidelines for the urban transformation in the district³. The plan specifically aims to address urban issues in Salmiya, including the increase in floor area ratio (FAR), change in land use, and increase in the number of health and educational institutions that are not supported by the necessary infrastructure⁴. This has resulted in an increase in traffic congestion during peak hours, with congestion continuing throughout the day in some parts of the city⁵.

The plan aligns with the 3rd National Master Plan Revision of 2005-2030^{i 6 7}, which represents an “umbrella development strategy” nationwide in Kuwait⁸, aimed at guiding the economic and population growth until 2030⁹.

The master plan extends over all of the Salmiya District, which has an area of 20 square kilometers located strategically on the Gulf coast of Hawalli Governorate¹⁰. It is designed to be sustainable and flexible, accommodating future growth and the increased number of cars on one hand and providing plans for enhanced public transportation provision on the other¹¹. It strategically designates public amenities, health facilities, and educational institutions to residential areas.

Additionally, the plan implements soft mobility strategies, including pedestrianization, to enhance accessibility to stores and public amenities¹². Several new public spaces are proposed in the master plan, complementing the existing urban fabric.

The project was initiated by Kuwait Municipality, where BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) worked on developing Salmiya Master Plan¹³ in collaboration with local consultant Osama Bukhamseen Design (OBD) with a value cost around $2.5 millionx¹⁴. The project is funded by Kuwaiti Government¹⁵.