Kuwait unveils digital success stories at Arab Technology Forum in Portugal

• Daoud Marafi, Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs and former Minister of Kuwaiti Youth Affairs, was a key speaker at the forum, where he shared Kuwait’s pioneering digital initiatives, especially the successful ‘Sahel’ program.

H. E. Hamad Al-Hazeem, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Portugal, stated that Kuwait showcased its successful experiences in the technology and IT sectors during the Arab Technology Forum (Meet Arab Tech), held alongside the Web Technology Summit in Lisbon, according to Q8-Press.

Ambassador Al-Hazeem said in a statement to KUNA that the Kuwaiti Embassy in Lisbon was keen to ensure the participation of the Kuwaiti private sector, specializing in digital technology, at the Arab Technology Forum, held alongside the Web Summit. This forum, which witnessed its first edition today, is an initiative of the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Portugal.

He also pointed out that the Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs and Minister of State for Communications Affairs, and former Minister of State for Kuwaiti Youth Affairs, Daoud Marafi, was one of the main speakers at the forum. His participation was well-received, and he shared Kuwait’s pioneering experience in digitization and technology, particularly the successful government initiative, the ‘Sahel’ program.

Al-Hazeem explained that the forum aims to bring together Arab and foreign technology companies participating in the Web Summit under one roof, allowing them to exchange experiences and connect Arab technology pioneers with the Portuguese and international tech communities. It also provides a platform for cooperation among global leaders, innovators, and investors, while discussing the potential for future partnerships.

For his part, former Minister Marafi stated in a similar statement to KUNA that technology is the new primary driver of national economies. He called for the harnessing of all resources to keep pace with the latest developments and catch up with developed countries in this field.

Marafi added that participation in the forum is aimed at benefiting from the expertise of other countries, learning about their experiences, and staying abreast of developments in the tech world. He also highlighted Kuwait’s experience in this sector and urged the government to prioritize increased investment in promising technological projects.

He stated that during his participation in a session titled “Unleashing Potentials: The Arab World as a Growing Technological Market,” he highlighted the success of Kuwait’s private sector in taking a leading role, positioning the country as a leader in many technological platforms.

He also discussed the support provided by institutions for small and medium-sized enterprises in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf, sharing successful experiences in the sector.

He emphasized that “investments in the technology sector in the next phase will be crucial,” stressing the need to pay special attention to artificial intelligence, which is advancing at an unprecedented rate.

He pointed out that Kuwait has the resources to excel in this field and benefit from both national and international successful experiences to make a strong entry into the world of technological projects in the coming period.

He also stressed the importance of becoming familiar with laws and regulations that align with the pace of technological development, while providing all possible support to young entrepreneurs across sectors of interest to Kuwaiti society, including healthcare, industry, and education.

He urged the development of large-scale digital and technological projects that can help society, promote its economy, and meet citizens’ needs. He reiterated the importance of raising awareness about technology and focusing on supporting and financing the sector, as well as directing the energies and innovation potential of young people in the coming period.