Hamad Al-Saqer’s legacy lives on: Kuwait opens landmark Technology & Innovation Center
A Vision for Kuwait’s Future; from charity to innovation; Al-Saqer Center determined to build Kuwait’s next generation of tech leaders
The Hamad Abdulaziz Al-Saqer Center for Technology and Innovation was officially inaugurated on Sunday at its strategic location in the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower.
The center, established under the charitable endowment of the late Abdulaziz Al-Saqer, reflects a bold national vision aimed at transforming Kuwait’s relationship with technology — from a consumer mindset to one that leads in creativity, innovation, and production.
Speaking at the ceremony, former MP Mohammed Jassim Al-Saqer delivered a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging the difficulty of speaking about a close relative whose lifelong preference was to work quietly, away from praise or public recognition. He noted that the late Hamad Abdulaziz Al-Saqer embodied three defining qualities — richness of spirit, nobility of character, and humanity of stance — which shaped every aspect of his life and contributions.
Al-Saqer highlighted that Hamad grew up rooted in the values of Kuwait’s pioneering generation, while embracing forward-looking principles grounded in knowledge, competence, and justice. He maintained a rare balance between tradition and modernity, living with openness to new ideas and generosity toward meaningful causes. His integrity, clarity, and refusal to separate words from deeds earned him deep respect across all circles.
According to Al-Saqer, Hamad’s humility was not a posture but a genuine reflection of his moral compass. His humanitarian positions were guided by a clear national philosophy: Kuwait cannot become a global financial or commercial hub without achieving scientific leadership, nor can it resolve employment and development challenges without raising the quality of education and training. This is why education and human dignity formed the core of his philanthropic outlook.
The establishment of the Technology and Innovation Center, Al-Saqer said, was the late Hamad’s most eloquent expression of this vision. The center aims to empower Kuwaiti youth to keep pace with global technological shifts, break free from dependence on public-sector employment, and enhance their economic prospects through real qualifications and productivity. Hamad also extended his humanitarian support to regional educational institutions — especially Palestinian institutions — quietly and without public acknowledgment.
Citing global research, Al-Saqer emphasized that the value of the center lies in addressing Kuwait’s long-standing education gap. Studies comparing 65 countries show that nations rich in natural resources often record weaker educational outcomes, while resource-poor countries such as Singapore, Finland, and Japan lead in academic performance. This contrast, he said, affirmed Hamad’s belief that Kuwait’s progress depends on building human capital rather than relying on natural wealth.
In a symbolic reflection, Al-Saqer recalled the philosopher Diogenes, who wandered Athens with a lit lamp in search of a true human being. “Had he met Hamad Abdulaziz Al-Saqer,” he said, “he would have extinguished his lamp, having found what he was searching for.”
He concluded with a prayer for the late Hamad, praising his rich spirit, noble character, and deep humanity.
Other speakers echoed this sentiment. NBK Group CEO Issam Al-Saqer said Kuwait had lost a national figure whose humility, generosity, and quiet charitable work left an enduring legacy. Many of his philanthropic deeds, he stressed, only came to light after his passing, reflecting a rare sincerity that touched countless lives.
Al-Qabas Editor-in-Chief Waleed Al-Nisf shared personal memories of working with Hamad for over a decade at NBK, recalling lessons of humility and kindness that surpassed professional learning. Haifa Abdulmohsen Al-Saqr, head of the Abdulaziz Al-Saqr Charity, described him as “the present absent one,” noting that his charity — founded in 2022 — has funded the education of more than 6,000 students, supported over 300 critical medical cases, and aided more than 500 families in need.
At the opening ceremony, Center CEO Saud Al-Anzi outlined its mission to bridge the widening gap between rapid technological advancement and traditional education systems. The center aims to transform Kuwaitis from technology users into creators, providing advanced training in programming, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Project Manager Mutlaq Al-Majhoul showcased new platforms developed by the center, including an AI-powered fact-checking system tailored to Kuwait and a media-analysis tool capable of converting televised content into actionable insights. The event drew a distinguished audience of family members, industry leaders, and technology experts, all honoring a man whose legacy continues to shape Kuwait’s future.
