‘Accelerating digital transformation key to building competitive national economy’

Minister of State for Communications Omar Al-Omar said Kuwait is moving decisively to accelerate digital transformation and build a modern technological system that enhances government efficiency and supports a competitive national economy.

Speaking at the Innovation Day forum organized by SAP the minister stressed that digitalization has become the foundation of strong economies and advanced societies, emphasizing that “digital transformation is not a choice but a national necessity” to achieve the goals of New Kuwait 2035.

These include building a diversified, sustainable economy and an attractive environment for investment and innovation, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The event was attended by the German Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz along with leading technology experts and decision-makers,

Al-Omar described the event as a vital moment in Kuwait’s efforts to shape a digital future.

Al-Omar highlighted the commitment of Kuwait’s political leadership to developing digital infrastructure and modernizing government institutions.

He noted that success in this field requires genuine partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as close cooperation with global technology companies whose smart solutions enhance performance and raise service quality.

He underscored that investing in national talent remains central to the state’s vision, pointing to expanded training initiatives and strengthened partnerships with international institutions. He cited the memorandum of understanding between the Central Agency for Information Technology and SAP as an important step toward equipping Kuwaiti youth with future-ready skills.

In his remarks, the German Ambassador praised the strength of Kuwaiti-German relations and the progress they continue to witness across various sectors.

He affirmed Germany’s readiness to support Kuwait’s strategic direction under Vision 2035 through enhanced political and economic cooperation.

SAP Kuwait General Manager Sundus Boushehri emphasized the depth of the Kuwaiti-German partnership and its role in advancing digital innovation.

She said Innovation Day serves as a strategic platform to examine the landscape of digital transformation in Kuwait—spanning integrated applications, data management, and artificial intelligence—while reaffirming SAP’s commitment to supporting national efforts in both public and private sectors.

Boushehri highlighted SAP’s global footprint, noting that 98 of the world’s top 100 companies rely on its solutions, and that 84 percent of global trade flows through its systems. She announced that SAP Kuwait will launch its first AI Hackathon in February 2026 in partnership with Kuwait University, bringing together government agencies, universities, companies, and emerging innovators to develop advanced AI applications.

Manal Al-Mazeed, Vice Chairperson of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, told KUNA that the Authority’s participation reflects its commitment to keeping pace with emerging technologies.

She said exposure to cutting-edge solutions helps the Authority develop modern regulatory frameworks and support entities in adopting more efficient operating models.

The forum concluded with a ceremony honoring Minister Al-Omar and several institutions recognized for their contributions to digital innovation and for advancing data, AI, and interconnected application systems in support of Kuwait’s sustainable growth.