Kuwait has been bolstering its technology and communication infrastructure to support its bid to create a sustainable and diversified economy.
Having a boisterous tech-based economy attracts investors eager to capitalise. We analyse the steps Kuwait has been taking and some of the challenges they face.
Advancements in AI and Data Analytics
Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar recently engaged with Thomas Remy of Google Cloud in a high-level meeting,
They discussed integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics into government operations. The idea has been floating around for some time, but they are now taking action.
Their talks focused on leveraging AI-powered tools to plan infrastructure projects, predict time for maintenance, and allocate resources to improve efficiency and transparency in public service.
Then Kuwait launched the National AI Strategy (2025 – 2028), mapping out plans to establish the country as the go-to centre for the latest AI technology.
Kuwait wants AI to reinforce government, healthcare, energy, education, transportation and public safety – the pillars of the National Development Plan (Vision 2035).
The National AI strategy will address governance, privacy, security and workforce empowerment via skill acquisition programmes.
Telecommunications and 5G Infrastructure
Ooredoo Kuwait is leading the race to revolutionise the telecommunications industry. Headquartered in Kuwait City, the company has announced it is ready to release its 5G advanced network.
The company has upgraded its radio access network by installing massive antennas while preparing infrastructure to help with network slicing and edge computing. These upgrades will boost crucial sectors such as ports, oil, smart education and healthcare.
Ooredoo established a new billing system in conjunction with Ericsson, permitting the 5G evolution to permeate its network. The upgrade is expected to improve the overall customer experience and efficiency of operations.
It will also support the development of competitive marketing strategies for various 5G products.
Chief technology officer at Ooredoo, Issa Haider, has also announced an exciting partnership with Nvidia to accelerate their creation of an intelligent AI infrastructure.
Ooredoo is working to open an AI Centre of Excellence and adopt a self-decision-making network architecture that delivers real-time, customised offerings.
Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity Initiatives
Kuwait is not stopping with its push to become a more digitally versed economy, opening new Google Cloud offices to drive innovation and offer expertise to local businesses.
The government also partnered with Microsoft to modernise financial and administrative departments. They will focus on AI and cloud services to make government services more efficient.
Kuwait’s bid to strengthen its cybersecurity has led the Central Agency for Information Technology to work with Microsoft to set up the Zero Trust initiative.
This scheme will assist the government in safeguarding people, devices, data and applications against cyber threats. Sophisticated technology eliminates increasingly modern threats.
Elsewhere, the Ministry of Information inked an agreement with the National Cybersecurity Centre to improve operations within the parastatal, especially Kuwaiti State TV studios.
Gaming Infrastructure and Regulatory Stance
Despite all the jaw-dropping technological advancements Kuwait has made, the country has refused to tap into the gambling industry.
Here is a country that boasts modern cybersecurity measures, high-speed internet and advanced data centres, yet they remain conservative against this potentially lucrative sector.
Online casinos in Kuwait are available to Arab players who want the thrill of gambling, but international firms operate them untaxed by the Gulf nation.
For a country that wants to diversify and modernise its economy, Kuwait must consider allowing the iGaming industry to operate under their control.
Some neighbouring countries have recognised the potential of a regulated gaming industry to boost their economy. Kuwait needs to consider doing the same.
With all these exciting tech developments, Kuwait can use them to strictly regulate the iGaming industry to ensure operators do not trample on societal values.
Infrastructure Projects Supporting Digital Growth
Kuwait has invested heavily in large-scale infrastructure projects to support its digital goals.
The Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is currently undergoing construction on Bubiyan Island. This port has a critical role to play in the grand scheme.
It is a logistical win for the Middle East and potentially the whole of Asia that encourages trade and economic activity in the region.
Kuwait is also developing the biggest housing project in its history, Al-Mutlaa City. It will be home to over 400,000 people when it eventually opens.
Al-Mutlaa is one of several new cities planned by the Kuwaiti government, alongside Saad Al-Abdullah and Sabah Al-Ahmad.
It has schools, mosques, mini-markets, health centres and more. The entire area runs on modern smart city technologies to improve the quality of life.
