Kuwait is advancing its initiative to establish a national geotechnical database, a project led by the Institute of Scientific Research (KISR). This development aims to bolster significant infrastructure projects and urban planning efforts, as stated by an official on Saturday.
Engineer Dana Al-Enezi, who heads the database project at KISR, characterized the initiative as “a strategic step to strengthen the country”s digital infrastructure for smart cities and enhance national response to emergencies.” The proposal was first highlighted by KUNA, following a scientific paper presented by Al-Enezi at a conference in Oman in February 2025.
Al-Enezi elaborated that the project is centered on the management and digital archiving of geotechnical information. Geotechnical engineering focuses on the mechanical and engineering properties of soil and rock, essential for analyzing both surface and subsurface layers.
She emphasized that geotechnical data is pivotal in the design and execution of infrastructure, crucial for ensuring the safety of foundations for various structures such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels, and for evaluating geological hazards like subsidence and seismic liquefaction.
“The lack of a unified national database has historically resulted in repeated errors, delayed decision-making, and increased risks in major construction projects,” Al-Enezi noted. “Digital management of integrated data has become one of the most vital components of modern infrastructure.”
Al-Enezi cited a significant incident from the late 1980s when land subsidence occurred in Kuwait”s Al-Thaher area, which was exacerbated by the absence of a national database. This delay in response led to greater losses and reliance on ad hoc studies instead of a permanent knowledge framework.
Despite past research efforts, Kuwait does not yet possess a comprehensive geotechnical database or detailed maps illustrating soil characteristics at varying depths. Al-Enezi pointed out regional advancements, such as those in Saudi Arabia, which provides geospatial data and national geological maps via the Saudi Geological Survey”s digital platforms. Such progress has been instrumental in facilitating major development projects, particularly future cities that depend on digital twins and subsurface modeling.
Moreover, she highlighted successful initiatives in the United Arab Emirates, specifically mentioning the digital mapping efforts by municipalities and transport departments in Abu Dhabi for improved planning and risk management.
According to Al-Enezi, tackling geological hazards necessitates a comprehensive system utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather detailed terrain data, soil properties, and historical incidents. “This system allows for the anticipation of problems before they arise, enabling engineers, designers, and decision-makers to accurately understand subsurface conditions,” she explained.
The upcoming database will also aid in establishing national engineering codes. “The preparation of the national earthquake code relies on precise soil data and local seismic risk factors,” Al-Enezi indicated. “It will also form the basis for a national geotechnical code based on local data rather than solely depending on foreign standards.”
She noted the relevance of this initiative for major national projects, including the Al-Mutlaa residential city and development initiatives on Boubyan Island. “The extensive construction in Al-Mutlaa necessitates a reference to understand soil distribution, reduce risks, and ensure infrastructure safety,” she added. “Boubyan Island”s soft clay soils are susceptible to seismic amplification and other geotechnical challenges, necessitating the integration of testing data into a national database to formulate effective design solutions.”
Al-Enezi concluded that the national geotechnical database would enhance early warning systems, improve management of smart cities, boost urban planning efficiency, and promote sustainable development and digital transformation.
