MoneyTech 2026 puts business resilience, AI, investment diversification under spotlight
- Gulf governments target $30 billion in data center investments by 2030 as AI reshapes markets
The fifth edition of the MoneyTech 2026 Summit explored ways to turn geopolitical and economic challenges into investment opportunities, highlighting digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, investment diversification and business resilience as key drivers of sustainable growth.
Organised by Al-Jarida newspaper in partnership with Ooredoo Kuwait, the summit brought together 17 speakers from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, alongside representatives of BlackRock and Carlyle, across nine sessions covering market resilience, mergers and acquisitions, technology and private investments.
Al-Jarida Editor-in-Chief Nasser Al-Otaibi said technology had become essential to business continuity, enabling institutions to maintain operations despite disruptions to supply chains and transportation. He also announced the launch of the MoneyTech community to strengthen cooperation between technology, media and private-sector companies.
Ooredoo Kuwait CEO Abdulaziz Al-Babtain said the company restored service efficiency within 24 hours following disruptions to some internet cables, without customers feeling the impact. He highlighted plans to diversify international land and submarine connectivity routes and strengthen cybersecurity and AI solutions through its partnership with Nvidia.
Investment experts highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, defence, energy and technology despite geopolitical uncertainty. BlackRock Kuwait CEO Ali Al-Qadi said Gulf markets had demonstrated resilience, while Carlyle CEO Ahmad Boushehri pointed to growing opportunities in infrastructure and technology-focused businesses.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Bader Al-Attar confirmed that domestic oil production and supply chains continued without disruption, with production standing at approximately 2.1 million barrels per day. Other speakers highlighted the importance of customer satisfaction, liquidity management and financial preparedness in protecting businesses during crises.
Kamco Invest’s Fawaz Al-Mutawa revealed that Gulf governments were investing around $30 billion in data centres by 2030, identifying artificial intelligence, technology, infrastructure, energy security and food as promising investment sectors. Financial Centre Company’s Rahaf Al-Rashed also highlighted buying opportunities in some declining Kuwaiti stocks, while warning that liquidity pressures posed significant risks to family businesses.
Kuwait Investment Company’s Talal Al-Rashdan said its participation as a strategic partner reflected its commitment to supporting specialised economic discussions and contributing to dialogue on financial markets, investment trends and the future of the regional financial sector.
