Ministry of Information Technology: AI contributes to developing services and improving government performance efficiency

The Acting Director General of the Central Authority for Information Technology, Najwa Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of artificial intelligence technologies, noting that “AI has become a central pillar in the digital transformation journey of the State of Kuwait.”

This statement was made during Ibrahim’s speech at the opening of the fifth edition of the Kuwait Digital Transformation Conference 2026, titled “From Digital Transformation to the Smart Nation,” organized by OM Events in collaboration with the Central Authority for Information Technology, in partnership with the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology, and lasting two days.

Ibrahim stated, “We must focus on practical AI applications and frameworks that ensure its responsible use, as well as building national capacities capable of leading this transformation.” She pointed out that digital transformation is entering a new phase driven by AI 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.

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. She explained that the Central Authority for Information Technology places special emphasis on developing digital competencies and skills, with 8,488 trainees benefiting from its training programs between January 2024 and August 2026. She also highlighted that the government’s “Microsoft Copilot” initiative, which involved 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 potential to its practical application to boost productivity and improve service quality.

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 Vision 2035 for 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 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 institutions’ ability to respond 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 pointed out that the growing reliance on digital services amplifies the importance of service continuity, network and system resilience, their ability to meet increasing demands, and their capacity to recover from failures and disruptions.

Al-Mutairi noted that the latest World Bank data on the 2025 Government Technology Maturity Index confirms continued global progress in the digital transformation of the public sector and the expanding scope of digital government services, while the next challenge lies in service integration, quality, and achieving tangible impact for beneficiaries.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Artificial Intelligence of Things Association, affirmed 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. He stated that Kuwait needs not only more digital services, but also 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.