About Us

Our journey began in 1956, when Dashti Construction Co. (W.L.L) was established by Mr. Esmail Dashti.

In the 1970’s, the Company successfully expanded into transportation and stevedoring operations when it became the sole stevedoring contractor at Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait. In 1982, the Stevedoring and Transportation operations were spun-off as Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company (K.S.C).

By 1985, KGL had expanded regionally into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A), where it started its stevedoring operations in Jubail, Yanbuh and Jeddah Ports. At the same time, the company continued to build an international reputation for excellence in transporting cargo, including that of mega EPS projects.

In the 1980s, the company diversified its business services and provided waste collection operations for the Kuwaiti Municipality, enabling KGL to become one of the largest and most efficient service providers within this sector.

Despite the fast-paced expansion within these years, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in the early 1990’s, KGL’s business — like many others — suffered in the midst of the regional turmoil. 

Following the Liberation of Kuwait, the company rebuilt its Stevedoring, Transportation, Waste Management, and Waste Collection operations. 

In 1996, KGL became the main operator of Shuaiba Container Terminal Port in Kuwait. KGL expanded further by diversifying its line of services by launching the car rental division in 1997, targeting its services to the public sector.

In 2000, KGL participated in the first privatization project in Saudi Arabia, where it won a 25 year concession to operate the Jeddah Islamic North Container Terminal as part of a Consortium. That same year, KGL shares were listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange.  

By 2004, regional and global demands increased substantially and led to the full integration of KGL’s transportation, logistics and supply chain management services, establishing The Kuwait & Gulf Link Holding Company (KGL).  This provided an opportunity for the company to achieve sustainable growth and greater profitability by leveraging its core competencies. However, by 2007, the lines of business were spun-off into separate business units in order to enhance the services and efficiency of each sector, as well as to create economies of scale for the group of companies.

Our company’s venerable founder, Mr. Esmail Ali Dashti began his career in the general trading and contracting business. Guided by his vision and leadership, the company expanded during the 60s, 70s & 80s  ehis company to include land transport, warehousing, stevedoring and port management, which ultimately led to the establishment of Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL).

Outside of his private business, Mr. Dashti was heavily involved in Kuwaiti politics since the country’s independence, and in 1975 he was elected to the National Assembly. While in politics, he contributed tothe proclamation of numerous laws and regulations. His most notable effort took place after the liberation of Kuwait, when he called on his fellow citizens to combine efforts to remove the effects of aggression, and instead focus on rebuilding the nation and renouncing all political and social differences.

On November 30th, 2018 we were saddened by the passing of Mr. Dashti. After a long life of prosperity and giving in business, politics and philanthropy, he leaves behind a legacy of more than 62 years of hard work and perseverance. We pray to God Almighty that the late Mr. Esmail Dashti be blessed with his mercy and may his soul rest in peace.