Kuwait, Bahrain strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, technical expertise exchange

The Ministry of Public Works hosted a joint meeting between Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, and the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, with the participation of the Kuwaiti Minister of State for Telecommunications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and the exchange of technical expertise.

The meeting covered several key areas of collaboration, especially in land, sea, and air transport and communications. Particular focus was placed on port connectivity and the promotion of maritime tourism.

The Bahraini delegation expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding to improve maritime connectivity and develop the countries’ shared maritime heritage. Bahrain also proposed sharing its experience in air transport, highlighting the role of its civil aviation authority.

Minister Al-Mashaan presented ongoing projects managed by the Ministry of Public Works and the Roads and Transport Authority. These include the Gulf Railway Link among Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the rail connection between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, extending to Riyadh.

In this context, Minister Al-Omar highlighted Kuwait’s progress in government digital transformation, particularly the vital role of the “Sahel” government app, which provides citizens and residents with access to over 400 government services through a unified digital platform. He emphasized that this initiative has significantly simplified procedures and improved user experience, aligning with Kuwait’s vision of establishing an integrated and efficient digital government.

He also showcased Kuwait’s leadership in the telecommunications sector, noting that the country ranks first globally in telecommunications network coverage and offers competitively priced services. This performance reflects the strength of Kuwait’s digital infrastructure.

Minister Al-Omar further outlined the role of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) in improving the communications environment, strengthening regulatory oversight, and keeping pace with technological advancements. He stressed the importance of sharing successful experiences and investing in modern technology to enhance government performance.

The Kuwaiti delegation included:

• Sheikh Khaled Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Director General of the Ports Authority
• Eid Al-Rashidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works
• Eng. Khaled Dhawi Al-Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport
• Eng. Ayman Asad Al-Mousawi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Control and Audit Sector
• Eng. Ahmed Saad Al-Saleh, Assistant Undersecretary for the Planning and Development Sector

The Bahraini delegation was represented by:

• Salah Ali Al-Maliki, Ambassador of Bahrain to Kuwait
• Fatima Abdullah Al-Dhaen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Land Transport and Post
• Bader Hood Al-Mahmoud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Affairs
• Hussein Ahmed Al-Shuail, Acting Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Affairs
• Yassin Al-Sayed, Director of the Air Navigation Systems Department
• Ms. Moza Al-Jalahma and the Acting Director of the Communications Department

During the meeting, Al-Rashidi presented an overview of the Ministry’s role in construction and infrastructure, expressing readiness to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Eng. Khaled Al-Osaimi outlined the establishment process of the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, noting recent contracts aimed at advancing the land transport sector and plans to improve public transportation.

The Bahraini side expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and looked forward to continued coordination in the interest of both nations and their peoples.