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Kuwait pushes ahead with digital transformation of govt services

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KUWAIT: Over the past decade, Kuwait has steadily ramped up efforts to digitize government services, with a notable push beginning in 2016. Key entities such as the ministry of commerce and industry, Kuwait Municipality and more recently the launch of the central government app Sahel have all played significant roles in this transition. Kuwait Times spoke to several IT experts involved in this digital shift to gain deeper insight into the challenges and progress of the country’s e-government strategy.

A major contributor to Kuwait’s digital transformation is Naser Al-Mutawa, former undersecretary for technical support and planning at the ministry of commerce. Al-Mutawa emphasized that the primary challenges are not technical, but rather regulatory and bureaucratic. “It’s never technical by any chance,” he said. “We’re dealing with the legacy of decades of paperwork and massive physical archives, which makes digitization a daunting task.”

Kuwait’s bureaucratic roots date back nearly a century. “The start of modern-day bureaucracy was the establishment of Kuwait Municipality in 1930,” explained Dr Ali Al-Kandari, professor at the History Department in Kuwait University. He added that this legacy continues to shape current structures and processes.

Many early digitization efforts were launched independently by individual ministries, which limited their effectiveness. Al-Mutawa pointed out that the success of the Sahel app, which unified a broad range of government services, highlights the importance of top-down support. “You need both a political sponsor and a technical leader,” he noted, especially during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic when the pace of digital transformation accelerated.

The impact of these efforts is already visible. In some cases, procedures that previously took months to complete using paper-based methods can now be finalized in a matter of days. “We’ve seen processes cut down from four months to three days,” Al-Mutawa said.

However, with increased digitization comes heightened cybersecurity risks. Yasmine Refaei, Chief Technology Officer for the public sector at an international corporation and an expert in AI and IT, stressed the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining digital infrastructure. “Kuwait is actively investing in security measures,” she said, a sentiment echoed by Al-Mutawa, who confirmed “the Kuwaiti government is working extensively on cybersecurity”.

The next frontier in Kuwait’s digital transformation is full automation. Zeyad Al-Subih, Assistant General Manager of IT at a local bank with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and security, explained that while many services appear digital on the surface, the backend processing still happens manually. “Digital services in government are a significant step forward, but the actual processing still happens manually in the background,” he said. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic. “The necessary resources are available.”

Abdullah Al-Watayan, an entrepreneur who has seen some benefits from using Sahel, commented: “I must be stuck to my phone and do things multiple times just to give approval. Some processes are still odd — you’re required to handle them in person. Even if you’re launching a digital business, you still need to rent a physical space for a month or two, which is both a hassle and unnecessary.” A major step forward for the Sahel app has been the introduction of an English-language interface. For a long time, Sahel did not offer English, limiting its accessibility and overall usefulness for many residents in Kuwait.

Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence and the consolidation of IT infrastructure across the public sector are seen as crucial next steps. These advances will enable more intuitive, responsive services that proactively anticipate user needs. AI will allow users to understand and interact with government services more efficiently. Experts also agree that reaching this next stage will depend on continued training for government employees and consistent implementation of national strategies supporting automation and AI governance. With these elements in place, Kuwait is poised to make a significant leap in public service delivery in the digital age.

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MoI reviews smart security patrol

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KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah on Monday was briefed on the Ministry’s new smart security patrol, equipped with the latest technical systems to enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of security operations in the field. In a press statement, the Interior Ministry said the initiative reflects its commitment to keeping pace with technological developments and supporting digital transformation in security work.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah received an explanation from Brigadier Anwar Al-Yatama, Head of the Human Resources and Information Technology Sector, on the patrol’s key components and smart systems, which were developed by national experts in information technology and cybersecurity. The patrol features an integrated system of advanced technologies, including smart mobile cameras linked to facial recognition and vehicle license plate systems, a mobile fingerprint device for instant identification, and direct connections to the ministry’s databases for rapid identification of wanted persons and vehicles.

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The system also incorporates artificial intelligence for real-time image processing and analysis, supporting security personnel in the field and improving operational efficiency. Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance field security work and praised national teams for developing the project, calling it a significant step in the ministry’s technological transformation. The Interior Ministry reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to modernize the security system and employ cutting-edge technologies to serve public safety, contributing to enhanced security and stability across Kuwait.

New service on Sahel

In a separate development, the Ministry announced the launch of a new service via the unified government application for electronic services (Sahel), allowing families of inmates to request appointments with officials from the General Administration of Correctional Institutions. Interviews will be conducted every Monday from 4 to 6 pm, enabling families to submit inquiries and complaints efficiently. — KUNA

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Ministry launches electronic system to enhance radiation control at customs

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday announced the activation of an electronic linkage system between its Radiation Protection Department and the General Administration of Customs. The system aims to streamline and accelerate control procedures for materials and devices subject to radiation oversight, while ensuring the highest safety standards. Director of the Radiation Protection Department, Dr Nasser Al-Juwaisri, said in a ministry statement that the system represents a qualitative leap in radiation control, enhancing information exchange between the two entities, reducing paperwork and speeding up procedural cycles. He added that it will improve accuracy and transparency in customs inspections and release operations.

Dr Al-Juwaisri explained that the materials under control include ionizing radiation devices such as X-ray machines, medical and industrial radioactive sources, radiotherapy devices, isotope generators and nuclear measuring instruments. Non-ionizing devices are also covered, including high-power laser systems, radar equipment, communication stations, and certain medical and industrial devices with non-ionizing emissions. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision for digital transformation and institutional integration with government agencies, in line with Kuwait’s broader electronic transformation strategy. The step underscores the Ministry’s commitment to worker and public safety, as well as environmental protection from potential radiation hazards.

The director added that the Public Health Sector has previously established electronic connectivity with the General Administration of Customs to facilitate control and release of public health pesticides, insecticides, optical devices and traps, within a comprehensive system that enhances safety in preventive health practices. Dr Al-Juwaisri confirmed that the Ministry will continue expanding digital integration to ensure a safe and sustainable health environment, in line with the highest international standards for radiation safety and health protection. — KUNA

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Army Chief decorates 35th batch of officers with colonel rank

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KUWAIT: Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian on Monday bestowed the rank of colonel on members of the 35th officers’ batch, in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In a press statement, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian conveyed the congratulations of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the newly promoted officers.

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He expressed hope the promotions would serve as an incentive for greater dedication and continued service to the nation. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, members of the Military Defense Council and several senior army officers. — KUNA

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