Director of the Direct Investment Promotion Authority: Artificial Intelligence and Human Capital Are Kuwait's Priorities

Sheikh Dr. Meshal Al-Jaber, Director General of the Direct Investment Promotion Authority, affirmed that Kuwait places investment in artificial intelligence and human capital at the core of its priorities, in line with the objectives of “Kuwait Vision 2035.”

He made these remarks while participating in a roundtable on “Digital Commitments in the Middle East,” organized by Microsoft under the theme “Technology, Trust, and Talent in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” held in New York on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Sheikh Meshal Al-Jaber stated that Kuwait recently signed a ten-year strategic partnership with Microsoft as part of its drive to invest in artificial intelligence and develop human capital.

He highlighted Kuwait’s strong commitment to empowering youth and equipping them with the skills needed to keep pace with technological advancements and leverage the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.

The roundtable agenda focused on ways to foster collaboration between governments and the technology sector to deploy artificial intelligence in supporting economic growth, enhancing public services, and boosting competitiveness, alongside cybersecurity, data protection, and the continuity of digital services.

Its key themes included linking investment in digital infrastructure to the development of local skills, strengthening institutional capabilities, and preparing the workforce, thereby supporting long-term digital partnerships in the region.

During the event, Microsoft, through its Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, Brad Smith, announced a new framework for its commitments in the Middle East, initially focusing on Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The framework encompasses technology, digital resilience, and human capability development.

The company also reaffirmed its intention to invest more than $10 billion in capital and operational expenditures in the region by 2030 to expand cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, while strengthening cooperation in data protection, cybersecurity, and skills development.