Since its opening in May 2019, the Sheikh Jaber Bridge—now the fourth-longest sea bridge in the world—has become a symbol of connectivity between the north and south of Kuwait. However, it has also unexpectedly become a site for suicide attempts, according to Al-Seyassah daily. Intended as a major infrastructural achievement, the bridge has unfortunately witnessed a growing number of suicide attempts, totaling ten since its inauguration.

In the most recent incident, a missing person who had jumped from the bridge was found and rescued by the fire department, marking the tenth attempt. Of these attempts, seven were unsuccessful, indicating that 70 percent of the cases were thwarted, which offers a glimmer of hope amidst a troubling reality. The number of incidents notably spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the emotional strain of that period.

Notable cases include a thwarted attempt by a girl on July 30, 2021, and a tragic incident in October 2021 when a young woman died after jumping from the bridge. In December 2021, two suicide attempts occurred on the same day—one individual was rescued, while the other was prevented from jumping.

In 2022, the trend continued, with two significant incidents. On April 26, an Egyptian and an Indian resident both attempted suicide. The Indian man was rescued by a passing citizen, while the Egyptian suffered severe fractures after falling onto the rocks and was taken to the hospital. Additionally, an Australian woman died in September 2022 after jumping from the bridge, with her body later recovered by marine rescue teams.

The trend persisted into 2023, with two notable incidents: on July 17, a 28-year-old Kuwaiti woman was rescued after jumping, and on August 22, authorities saved another woman who had also attempted suicide. The increasing frequency of these cases raises serious concerns about the psychological wellbeing of residents and underscores the need for preventive measures. As the Sheikh Jaber Bridge remains a crucial part of Kuwait’s infrastructure, addressing the underlying issues contributing to this alarming trend is essential.