Ministry of Information: Artificial Intelligence as a Key Pillar in Kuwait's Digital Transformation Journey

Sultan Al-Abdan: Najah Ibrahim, Acting Director General of the Central Authority for Information Technology, confirmed that digital transformation is entering a new phase led by artificial intelligence and supported by data and smart technologies, which provide opportunities to develop services, enhance government performance efficiency, and support decision-making, alongside responsibilities related to governance, data protection, cybersecurity, and building digital trust.

This came in a speech delivered by Ibrahim during the opening of the fifth edition of the Kuwait Digital Transformation Conference 2026, titled “From Digital Transformation to the Smart Nation.” She stated that artificial intelligence represents a key pillar in Kuwait’s digital transformation journey, with a focus on its practical applications and frameworks that ensure its responsible use, as well as building national capacities capable of leading this shift.

She added that technological transformations are accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with AI advancing to become a primary driver of the future of government work, the economy, and society. She noted that the conference has solidified its position as a national platform for dialogue among policymakers, experts, and public and private entities on ways to leverage technology to serve development.

Ibrahim clarified that the Central Authority for Information Technology places special emphasis on developing digital competencies and skills, noting that the number of beneficiaries of its training programs reached 8,488 trainees from January 2024 to August 2026.

She pointed out that the government’s Microsoft Copilot initiative, which covered 79 government entities, saw 13 entities successfully complete the adoption phase, with more than 40,000 licenses activated and over 170 use cases identified, reflecting the gradual transition from exploring AI capabilities to practically deploying them to boost productivity and improve service quality.

She indicated that the Authority continues to work on developing digital infrastructure, data centers, and cloud computing, while enhancing cybersecurity and digital trust, developing government services, and supporting transformation in vital sectors such as health, education, the financial sector, transport, and smart cities.

Ibrahim emphasized that the real challenge lies not in possessing technology, but in transforming it into tangible and sustainable impact that translates into easier, faster, and more integrated services for citizens and residents, as well as improved institutional efficiency, productivity, and innovation capacity.

She stressed the importance of integrating the roles of government entities, the private sector, academic institutions, and technology providers to advance the digital transformation journey and support the aspirations of “Kuwait 2035” Vision toward a more innovative economy, a more efficient government, and a society better equipped to seize future opportunities.

For her part, Manal Al-Mutairi, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology, affirmed in a similar speech that digital transformation is no longer merely about adopting modern technologies or moving services and procedures to an electronic environment, but has become a comprehensive institutional transformation linked to management efficiency, decision quality, optimal resource utilization, and institutional responsiveness to changes.

Al-Mutairi stated that the true value of digital transformation lies in delivering more reliable and accessible services, more efficient procedures, data-driven decisions, and an environment better able to stimulate innovation and attract investment.

She added that effective regulation represents one of the fundamental enablers of digital transformation by enhancing competition, protecting user interests, monitoring service quality, and supporting the responsible and organized development of the communications and information technology sector.

She clarified that the next phase requires reliable and flexible digital infrastructure, high-quality data, effective institutional integration, and national competencies capable of leveraging modern technologies and managing their risks.

With responsibility. For his part, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Internet of Things Artificial Intelligence Association, affirmed in a speech that digital transformation has become a fundamental element in the strength of nations, the competitiveness of their economies, and their capacity to shape the future. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah stated that Kuwait does not need more digital services alone, but rather a smarter, more integrated national system in which institutions communicate, exchange data securely, and leverage modern technologies to serve humanity. He added that the success of digital transformation requires three key pillars: reliable and organized data as a strategic asset; the enhancement of digital trust, privacy protection, and cybersecurity; and investment in human capital through the development of education and the qualification of national talent. He clarified that building a smart nation requires moving from isolated digital initiatives to an integrated national system that combines artificial intelligence, digital identity, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient services.