Minister of Communications: Opening of Microsoft Digital Innovation Center a Key Step Toward Building a Knowledge Economy

Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, said on Sunday that the opening of the Microsoft Digital Innovation Center in Kuwait represents a significant step in the country’s journey toward building a knowledge-based economy supported by artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the center’s opening ceremony, Minister Al-Omar emphasized that strengthening collaboration among government entities, leading technology companies, and national talent helps create the necessary environment to translate AI potential into tangible outcomes that positively impact our institutions, economy, and society.

For his part, Naim Yazbek, Microsoft’s President for the Middle East and Africa, said in a similar address that Kuwait has a clear ambition to harness AI as a driver of economic growth, improve public services, and create new opportunities for citizens.

Yazbek added that the Microsoft Digital Innovation Center aims to turn this ambition into reality by bringing together technology, expertise, skills, and local partnerships. He stressed that Microsoft seeks to help institutions move beyond experimentation with AI and achieve real, widespread impact.

In his remarks, Alaa Al-Din Karim, Microsoft’s General Manager in Kuwait, said the Digital Innovation Center reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Kuwait and its dedication to working hand in hand with government entities, the business sector, and innovation ecosystem partners to address real-world challenges.

Karim added that the company focuses on building local capabilities and leveraging AI to deliver tangible benefits for Kuwait, expressing its hope that the center will serve as a place where ideas are translated into actionable steps.

He underscored the importance of empowering institutions to confidently advance to the next stage of their AI journey by providing the necessary expertise and tools to develop technical solutions.

The Microsoft Digital Innovation and Transformation Center was opened earlier in Kuwait in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in a move aimed at supporting digital transformation efforts, accelerating innovation, and promoting the use of AI technologies in line with the “New Kuwait 2035” vision.

The center aims to support government entities, business sectors, and the local innovation ecosystem by providing a collaborative environment that brings together government agencies, startups, developers, and students to explore applications of AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital technologies.

By combining Microsoft’s global capabilities in AI and cloud computing with the priorities of government entities and local economic sectors, the center contributes to fostering the adoption of modern technologies and developing the digital skills needed to meet future demands.