Kuwait advances Vision 2035 with second phase of Thought Leadership Circle
KDIPA and TBY -- hosts top government and industry leaders -- to discuss strengthening digital infrastructure, reshaping the Digital Landscape, and future innovation priorities.
The second phase of the Thought Leadership Circle: Reshaping the Digital Landscape, co-hosted by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and The Business Year (TBY), that took place recently at The Chairman’s Club in KIPCO Tower brought together leading figures from the public and private sectors to examine Kuwait’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
The event was inaugurated by His Excellency Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communications Affairs, who highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening national digital infrastructure and ensuring regulatory readiness.
“As we transform Kuwait’s digital landscape,” he said, “we must ensure institutional alignment, infrastructure strength, and public-private synergy to unlock the true potential of our economy.”
Key speakers included Dr. Khaled Mohammad Al-Zamel, Chairman of the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); Eng. Abeer Al-Awadhi, Chief of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC); Eng. Muataz Abdullah Al-Dharrab, CEO of stc Kuwait; Alaeddine Karim, Country General Manager of Microsoft Kuwait; Sheikh Ahmed Duaij Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait; Bader Al-Ghanim, VP & Managing Director of Talabat Kuwait; Fahad Al-Menayes, Acting CEO of International Turnkey Systems (ITS); and Sulaiman Al-Arouj, Executive Chairman of Empower State Holdings.
The event explored five strategic areas shaping Kuwait’s digital future.
Foundations of a Regional Digital Hub –– Discussions centered on integrating services, data, and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of interoperable ecosystems and regulatory frameworks that support scalable digital growth.
Investing in Talent and Ecosystems — Panelists highlighted the urgency of developing digital skills and preparing the workforce to attract global technology firms. “We must prepare our people for the future as much as our systems,” said Alaeddine Karim of Microsoft Kuwait.
Strategic Collaborations & AI Readiness — Leaders shared updates on current partnerships and reflected on Kuwait’s readiness for AI adoption. “At stc, we see AI, smart systems, and secure data environments as core enablers of this transformation. Our efforts align with national priorities, and we can help accelerate Kuwait’s digital agenda and reinforce its position as a leading technology-driven economy,” said Al-Dharrab of stc.
Smart Infrastructure & Cybersecurity — Participants discussed how smart infrastructure can enhance fintech development and national services. The National Cyber Security Center addressed emerging threat landscapes, while Talabat showcased its advanced cybersecurity practices. “Digital trust is foundational to everything we build,” said Bader Al-Ghanim of Talabat.
Policy & Future Milestones — The Minister concluded the event by outlining the government’s top priorities for 2026, including regulatory modernization, workforce development programs, and expanded investment incentives.
