AI News Monitor

KUWAIT CITY — In a significant push to align with Kuwait’s long-term economic vision, Microsoft convened government officials, industry leaders, and technologists here on Sunday for an AI Summit aimed at accelerating the nation’s digital transformation.

The event, themed “Kuwait’s AI Ambition,” served as a platform to underscore the strategic partnership between the Kuwaiti government and the tech giant, focusing on building cloud infrastructure, fostering responsible artificial intelligence innovation, and developing local talent in line with Kuwait’s “Vision 2035” goals for a knowledge-based economy.

“We are fostering an ecosystem where technology empowers our people, enables our institutions, and drives sustainable national growth,” said H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, in a keynote address. He praised Microsoft’s role in helping to “accelerate innovation, build local capabilities, and strengthen digital infrastructure.”

The summit highlighted several concrete initiatives already underway. Microsoft, in partnership with the Public Authority for Sports, is developing what it calls Kuwait’s first AI-powered national digital tourism hub on its Azure cloud platform. The project features an AI companion named “Rashid,” designed to personalize travel experiences.

In a major infrastructure move, the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) is using Microsoft’s “Azure Landing Zone” to facilitate the secure migration of 44 government entities to the cloud. The energy sector also featured prominently, with Microsoft and partner Ghaia.ai deploying an Agentic AI system for the Kuwait Oil Company that has reduced idle rig time by 50%.

“Kuwait is entering a pivotal stage in its digital transformation journey,” said Alaeddine Karim, Country General Manager for Microsoft Kuwait. “Microsoft’s mission is to empower Kuwait to realize its AI vision and advance its position as a regional leader in technology and innovation.”

The event culminated in the presentation of AI Excellence Awards, recognizing Kuwaiti organizations for pioneering projects. Awardees spanned the public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Finance, for an AI-powered correspondence system; the Ministry of Health, for its “Salem Health” platform; and leading financial institutions like Kuwait Finance House and the National Bank of Kuwait for advancing digital banking.

Naim Yazbeck, President of Microsoft for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the regional significance of Kuwait’s efforts. He pointed to “trusted cloud infrastructure, public-private collaboration, and responsible AI innovation” as critical pillars for sustainable digital growth across the region.

The summit reinforced Microsoft’s commitment to local capacity building through skilling initiatives and academic partnerships, signaling a concerted effort to position Kuwait at the forefront of the Gulf’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.