The Embassy of Bhutan in Kuwait, in collaboration with Alghanim International, recently hosted an event aimed at promoting tourism and investment opportunities in Bhutan. The gathering also marked the 15th wedding anniversary of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, as well as the 18th anniversary of the King’s coronation. The event received support from the Department of Tourism within Bhutan’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, alongside corporate partners including Alghanim Shipping and Transport, Continental Hotels Group, Sama Kuwait Tourism, and others.
During the event, Bhutan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Kutshab Phub Dorji, outlined the country’s unique tourism approach, which follows a “high value, low volume” strategy conceived by the Fourth King. This policy aims to balance economic development with environmental and cultural preservation. Tourism packages in Bhutan are structured to include accommodation, meals, transport, expert guides, and a mandatory sustainable development fee of $100 per day.
Ambassador Dorji introduced Gelephu Mindfulness City, a flagship initiative developed under King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision. The city spans 4,000 acres within protected nature reserves and operates as a special administrative region with its own legislative, executive, and judicial authorities. Gelephu’s regulatory framework is modeled on Singapore’s common law and anti-corruption systems while adhering to global financial standards and international arbitration practices.
Gelephu Mindfulness City is structured around eight key sectors: spirituality; health and wellness combining traditional and modern medicine; education and knowledge; agrotechnology and forestry, with a goal to maintain 70 percent forest cover and incorporate vertical and hydroponic farming; green energy and technology including hydroelectric, thermal, and solar power; finance and digital assets, featuring a digital currency backed by physical gold and asset tokenization; aviation and logistics, highlighted by a new airport expected to accommodate one million passengers by 2029; and tourism.
The city opened its doors to family offices and businesses on October 1, 2026. Current development projects include an artificial intelligence campus and data centers in partnership with Japanese firms, a women and children’s hospital offering fertility and IVF services, and various infrastructure initiatives designed to attract international collaboration by 2029.
Among upcoming events is the 108 Stupa Project, slated for November 1, 2026, during which 108 stupas, each 15 meters tall and spaced 108 meters apart, will be constructed along the Mao Chhu River. The endeavor involves 40,000 volunteers drawn from a pool of 70,000 registrants. Additionally, the Bhutan Innovation Forum (March 24-26, 2027, in Paro) will focus on fostering a conscious society, smart economy, and resilient ecosystem under the theme “Human Abundance.” The Bhutan Investment Summit is scheduled for February 11-12, 2027.
Fouad Alghanim, Chairman of Alghanim International, reflected on his January visit to Bhutan, describing the challenging approach to Paro Airport and praising the exceptional safety record of Drukair, the national carrier. He highlighted the unforgettable experience of crossing the Himalayas and witnessing Mount Everest, as well as the hospitality and serenity of the Bhutanese people. Alghanim noted that the Thimphu Summit devoted significant attention to sustainable agriculture and green energy initiatives.
S.N. Ramachandran, Chief Financial Officer of Fawaz Holding Group, also commented on the growing investment potential of Gelephu Mindfulness City, emphasizing its emergence as a promising hub for business and innovation.