Kuwait is advancing plans to establish a national geotechnical database, with the goal of aiding significant infrastructure projects and urban planning. This initiative was detailed by Dana Al-Enezi, the head of the project at the Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR), who described it as a crucial step to bolster the nation”s digital framework for smart cities and improve emergency responses.
The proposal was initially highlighted during a conference in Oman in February 2025, and has since evolved into a formal project at KISR, according to a report from KUNA. Al-Enezi explained that the project will focus on the management and digital archiving of geotechnical data, which is essential for evaluating the mechanical and engineering properties of soil and rock.
Geotechnical data plays a vital role in the safe design and execution of infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, tunnels, and roads, as well as in identifying potential geological risks such as subsidence and seismic liquefaction. Al-Enezi pointed out that the lack of a centralized national database has historically resulted in repeated errors, delayed decision-making, and increased risks in major construction undertakings.
She noted, “Digital management of integrated data has become one of the most important elements of modern infrastructure.” Al-Enezi referred to a significant land subsidence incident in the late 1980s in Kuwait”s Al-Thaher area, where the absence of a national database hindered timely responses and increased damages, compelling authorities to depend on temporary studies instead of a permanent knowledge base.
Despite previous research efforts, Kuwait still does not possess a comprehensive geotechnical database or detailed maps that depict soil characteristics at various depths. Al-Enezi contrasted this with regional advancements in digital infrastructure, citing how Saudi Arabia offers geospatial data and national geological maps via the Saudi Geological Survey”s digital platforms. She stated, “This progress has supported major development projects, especially future cities that rely on digital twins and subsurface modeling.”
Additionally, she mentioned successful initiatives in the United Arab Emirates, particularly the municipalities and transport departments in Abu Dhabi, which utilize digital mapping for enhanced planning and risk management. Al-Enezi emphasized that to effectively address geological hazards, a comprehensive system utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is necessary for collecting detailed terrain data, soil properties, and historical incidents.
Furthermore, the database is expected to help in the formulation of national engineering codes, including the national earthquake code, which relies on precise soil data and local seismic risk factors. Al-Enezi highlighted the relevance of this project for significant national initiatives, including the Al-Mutlaa residential city and developments on Boubyan Island. She explained that understanding soil distribution is critical for Al-Mutlaa”s extensive construction efforts to minimize risks and ensure infrastructure safety.
In the case of Boubyan Island, where soft clay soils may amplify seismic activities and present other geotechnical challenges, integrating test data into a national database will be vital for developing effective design solutions. Al-Enezi concluded that the national geotechnical database would enhance early warning systems and smart city management, improving urban planning efficiency and fostering sustainable development and digital transformation.
