'Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity'... Towards a Secure Digital Future

The fourth edition of the 2026 GCC Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Forum kicked off, organized by the American International University in Kuwait (AIU) over two days at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event was attended by Dr. Fayza Al-Kharafi, Chairperson of the AIU Board of Trustees, along with a distinguished group of experts, specialists, and leaders from government, academic, and technology sectors in Kuwait and the region, to discuss the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, and emerging technologies.

Held today, Monday, the forum is supported by several entities and institutions, including the National Cybersecurity Center, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, and Zain Group as strategic partners; Alghanim Sons as a sponsor; and M2R Group as a media partner. It features keynote sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with rapid technological advancement, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, and emerging technologies, while exploring the key opportunities and challenges linked to these fields.

Dr. Areej Alghanim, member of the AIU Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence in developmental progress and achieving development goals, as well as opening new horizons for employment and professional development for students in public and private schools and universities in Kuwait. She praised the large attendance at the university’s annual forum and the topics it raises, which are discussed by specialized experts in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, linking these expertise areas with state bodies and institutions to benefit the current and future generations.

Alghanim noted that the forum includes more than 12 accompanying workshops, adding that the university campus will host the second day’s events, welcoming students from various school grades to disseminate benefits and raise awareness among them on the proper use of artificial intelligence, positively impacting their future performance and educational and academic journeys.

She expressed her deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those involved in organizing the forum, highlighting that the American International University has been and will continue to be a supporter of community activities. She stated, “This is our role as an educational and academic institution; our role is not limited to the academic aspect, but we also have a role in serving society and the nation, and spreading academic, scientific, and educational awareness across various sectors.”

For his part, Dr. Youssef Hayek, President of the American International University, affirmed that innovation has become a measure of a nation’s strength, clarifying that artificial intelligence is a tool and means, not an end or a replacement for humans. While it can accelerate problem-solving, it cannot determine which issues deserve solving or balance decisions with societal values and needs.

Hayek announced that the university will integrate artificial intelligence into all its curricula in humanities, technical disciplines, and sciences, viewing this as an educational reform based on interdisciplinary thinking, real-world projects, and the application of modern tools to address regional and global challenges. He emphasized that the goal is to graduate a generation of innovators and problem-solvers connected to their reality and the wider world.

For her part, Abir Al-Awadi, Chairperson of the National Cyber Security Centre, affirmed that the convening of the forum comes at a time when the world is witnessing a massive technological transformation, during which artificial intelligence has become a strategic capability influencing the economy, security, government services, and development, alongside growing cyber challenges.

She stated that cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of national security, sustainable development, and digital transformation, representing a shared responsibility that requires the integration of efforts by the government, the private sector, and academic and research institutions. She emphasized the Centre’s continued commitment to enhancing cyber readiness, developing national capabilities, and training specialized personnel, while highlighting the importance of investing in human capital and cultivating a generation equipped with skills in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Al-Awadi stressed the importance of the forum as a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise and showcasing the latest solutions and technologies. She expressed her hope that the forum would yield recommendations and initiatives that enhance cooperation and innovation, and harness artificial intelligence to develop cyber capabilities in a manner that serves the security, stability, and sustainable development of the countries in the region.

In a statement delivered by Advisor Dr. Maytham Safar, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences emphasized the importance of directing resources toward events aligned with the country’s strategy and national priorities. It noted that the forum embodies the pillars of the strategy, which are based on research, innovation, and human capital, by bringing together researchers, academic institutions, and the private sector to exchange knowledge and build an integrated system of cooperation.

In a statement delivered by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence Association highlighted that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence necessitates strengthening security and governance. It stressed that clean, organized, and secure data form the foundation for building reliable systems, and called for a national framework for data and artificial intelligence, with a focus on trust, sovereignty, and human-centric approaches, while training Kuwaiti youth to build and protect these technologies.

Waleed Al-Kheshati, CEO of Communications and Public Relations at Zain, praised the forum and its role in enhancing dialogue on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He affirmed the importance of discussing the responsibilities associated with adopting artificial intelligence, including data protection, privacy, and governance.

He further emphasized that partnerships between the private sector and the educational sector are essential for addressing emerging technologies, enabling a deeper understanding of governance, security, and ethical challenges, as well as the impact of technology on society.