Kuwait’s digital future unveiled at inaugural ‘Thought Leadership Circle Event’

The first event of the ‘Thought Leadership Circle Events Series’ co-hosted by the ‘Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)’ and The Business Year, brought together visionary leaders and innovators at the prestigious Chairman’s Club, KIPCO Tower, to discuss transformative strategies for Kuwait’s digital and economic evolution.

The event, themed as ‘Accelerating Technology and AI Implementation” featured an exceptional lineup of speakers including, the Minister of State for Communication Affairs, H. E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, delivered a keynote address on driving Kuwait’s digital transformation.

Minister Al-Omar emphasized the Ministry’s efforts in building a Digital Kuwait, using technology to drive economic growth, enhance quality of life, and achieve sustainable development, all in line with “Kuwait’s Vision 2035”.

On the other hand, Mohammed Yousef Mulla Yaqoub, Assistant Director General for Business Development at KDIPA, stated that they believe in the power of collaboration to unlock opportunities, and this gathering is a testament to the synergies that can emerge when the public and private sectors come together with a shared vision.

Moreover, H. E. Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al Sabah, Chairman of KBA, noted that despite some challenges, such as regulation and data privacy, Kuwait has made remarkable strides in adopting AI and Big Data technologies, with various sectors integrating AI into their operations.

Other distinguished speakers included Mohammed Mulla Yaqoub, Deputy Director General for Business Development at KDIPA; Abdullah Khaled Al-Ajmi, Acting Chairman of CITRA; Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait; Esam Al-Kheshnam, CEO of KNET; Ammar Abdullah Boumijdad, Country Head of Mashreq Bank Kuwait; Mohammed Al-Kharafi, COO of NBK; Shaymaa Alterkait, Country Manager of Google Cloud; and Sundus Bushari, Managing Director of SAP Kuwait.

Importantly, key discussion points included strategies for leveraging digital payments, AI technologies, and innovative tools to drive economic growth, enhance sustainability, and improve workforce readiness. The dialogue fostered meaningful collaborations between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the need for a secure and inclusive approach to Kuwait’s digital transformation.

The event was made possible by the support of partners and sponsors including Zain, KBA, Mashreq, KNET, ITL World, and the Chairman’s Club.

This exclusive roundtable marks the beginning of a three-part series, with future events scheduled for January and February 2025.