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Kuwait summit pushes for VR, AI in education, prioritizes data privacy

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KUWAIT: Abdullah Al-Salem University’s recent educational summit, held from April 16 to 17, highlighted key recommendations for shaping the future of education in the age of innovation. The summit, titled “Learning in the Age of Innovation: Benefits, Challenges, and Jobs”, focused on how technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy, and virtual reality, can transform learning. Experts gathered to discuss the challenges and benefits of integrating these innovations into education, emphasizing the importance of building adaptable systems, securing personal data, and fostering inclusive learning environments for all students.

“We must break down institutional barriers and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise,” said Dr Adel Al-Husainan, Secretary-General of the University’s Founding Board of Trustees, in his welcoming speech. He emphasized the importance of enhancing education through modern technologies, which he believes will promote collaboration and innovation across all sectors. “Such scientific gatherings are essential for facilitating innovation and advancing progress in both education and research,” he added.

One major recommendation was to enhance personalized learning through AI. Experts suggested transitioning from traditional e-learning to fully digital systems, using AI tools like chatbots to tailor education to individual needs. They also called for the creation of institutional support systems that allow students to explore and develop their own AI-driven ideas, while ensuring that data privacy is maintained.

The summit also addressed the growing concerns around cybersecurity and data privacy in education. Experts stressed the importance of developing secure systems based on ethical guidelines, including using encryption and robust security protocols, especially for cloud-based services. They urged institutions to adhere to international standards when handling sensitive data and implement AI-powered security solutions to safeguard student information.

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) in education was another key area of discussion. Experts recommended launching pilot projects and investing in the infrastructure needed to support VR/AR learning tools. This includes aligning VR/AR projects with educational curricula to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness, while also addressing privacy and ethical considerations.

The summit’s discussions also led to the call for flexible educational policies. These policies would promote ethical AI use and data privacy while encouraging collaboration between institutions to share best practices and adapt to rapid technological changes. Continuous evaluation and updates to these policies were also emphasized as essential to ensure they remain relevant in the face of evolving educational needs. Additionally, the final panel, featuring new perspectives from young Kuwaiti researchers, called for the establishment of incubators and accelerators to turn research into practical products and services. The panel also highlighted the need for improved access to information and stronger collaborative networks among institutions to drive innovation.

The summit concluded with the announcement of student project winners, with awards recognizing the top innovations in education and technology. The KFAS Innovation Award went to Kish from Kuwait University and Stat Cam from Gulf University for Science and Technology. The “Watan Al Ibda’a” Award by Zain was given to Halali from Kuwait University and Threion Space Band from Abdullah Al-Salem University. The Boubyan Innovation Award went to Chatbot from Arab Open University, while the Abdullah Al-Salem University Award recognized Plastic Recycle and Power the Future from Abdullah Al-Salem University.

Key recommendations from the summit

AI-personalized learning: Use AI tools like chatbots to make learning more tailored to individual student needs.

Shift from traditional e-learning to fully digital platforms for a more engaging experience.

Cybersecurity & data privacy: Ensure the security of student data by using encryption and robust protocols.

Follow international standards to protect sensitive information, especially in cloud services.

Virtual & augmented reality: Introduce VR/AR to make learning more interactive and immersive.

Ensure that these technologies are accessible to all students and align them with educational goals.

Flexible policies: Create adaptable policies for data privacy and ethical AI use in education.

Foster collaboration between educational institutions to share best practices and stay up-to-date with digital trends.

Collaborative research: Build networks among institutions to turn academic research into real-world products and services.

Set up incubators to support new research ideas and foster innovation.

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Crown Prince receives Egyptian Deputy PM

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KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, Lieutenant General Kamel Abdulhadi Al-Wazir, and his accompanying delegation on the occasion of their official visit to the country. The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and Egypt’s Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.– KUNA photos

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Workshop discusses health competency framework

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated a regional workshop titled “Competency Framework”, aimed at reviewing the preliminary draft of a competency framework for public health professionals. The three-day workshop is organized by the Gulf Center for Disease Control in cooperation with the Gulf Health Council and the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry, Dr Munther Al-Hasawi, welcomed a distinguished group of public health leaders and specialists from GCC countries, emphasizing the workshop’s importance in light of the increasing need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health workforce. Al-Hasawi stressed the critical role of investing in human capital through training, capacity building, and well-structured competency frameworks grounded in scientific and practical methodologies. He noted that public health competency goes beyond technical expertise, encompassing key administrative and interpersonal skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.

“Competency in public health is the ability to deliver appropriate, effective services to communities while achieving optimal outcomes,” Al-Hasawi said. “It includes service delivery, resource management, community engagement, and cross-sectoral cooperation.” Chairing the workshop, Dr Mohammed Al-Saeedan, Head of the Emergency Department – Public Health at KCDC, told reporters that the session aims to discuss and refine the initial draft of the framework with input from regional decision-makers and experts. The goal, he said, is to develop a comprehensive guide to strengthen the capabilities of the health workforce across GCC countries.

“Competency frameworks contribute to improving public health, increasing life expectancy, reducing the overall health burden, and advancing sustainable development,” Al-Saeedan explained. “Healthy individuals are more productive and better able to contribute to society.” He emphasized the importance of continuously updating public health guidelines and competency standards to build professional readiness and effectively address evolving health challenges. “Guidelines serve as essential tools in disease prevention and health promotion, guiding individuals and communities in making informed health choices that enhance quality of life,” he said.

Al-Saeedan noted that global shifts and the rising prevalence of diseases demand heightened preparedness and response capabilities. “As the world increasingly prioritizes prevention over treatment, public health professionals must be equipped with the highest level of skill and knowledge to manage emergencies and implement effective interventions,” he added. The workshop is expected to result in key recommendations that will shape a unified GCC approach to public health competency development and workforce excellence. — KUNA

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The hidden drivers behind high prices in Kuwait

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Although Kuwait was ranked earlier this year as the second least expensive Gulf country in the 2025 World Cost of Living Index, many residents feel that the prices of certain goods or services remain disproportionately high compared to other countries. While essential services — such as electricity, water, and fuel — are heavily subsidized and therefore inexpensive, other aspects of life, including housing, entertainment, and branded products, often carry a much steeper cost.

Therefore, according to economic expert Dr. Amer Al Tamimi, the root of the issue lies not in government policy, but in people’s behavior — whether it’s business owners inflating prices or consumers adopting high-cost lifestyles. Each year the state allocates no less than KD 6 billion in subsidies for electricity, water, fuel, and even certain food items. “In fact, the government has made life remarkably affordable for citizens — perhaps even too affordable.” But while basic goods may be inexpensive, the same cannot be said for luxury and lifestyle products. According to Al Tamimi, the high standard of living and strong purchasing power among Kuwait’s resident’s fuels intense demand for premium items — from cars and watches to high-end services and entertainment.

“These items might be cheaper elsewhere, but in Kuwait, the appetite for luxury pushes prices higher,” he explained. Even mid-range categories, such as transportation and clothing, are considered expensive when compared to regional or global averages. Social behavior plays a significant role in shaping price dynamics. “Some individuals, despite earning modest incomes, make choices driven by appearances,” said Al Tamimi. “Someone earning KD 1,000 might buy a car with KD 500 monthly installments just to keep up an image.”

This desire to showcase wealth creates an artificial demand for high-end goods and services. As demand rises, so do prices, creating a feedback loop that affects everything from café menus to car dealerships. “There’s a culture of excessive consumption. People need to rethink their habits, as rational consumption can lead to lower prices overall,” he suggested. This culture of overspending is reflected in many lifestyle choices. “I am surprised to see people pay for coffee delivery when they can simply an easily make it at home,” said Altamimi.

While some spending habits may be avoidable, others — like housing — are fundamental and affect nearly everyone. Al Tamimi pointed to Kuwait’s real estate market as one of the most significant contributors to the high cost of living, citing the soaring price of land. “Land alone accounts for around 70 to 75 percent of the total cost of any building,” he explained. “This is very different from many other countries, where land is more affordable and makes up a smaller portion of overall costs.” This imbalance has driven up both property prices and rent, placing a heavy burden on households and businesses alike. For many residents, housing expenses consume a large share of their monthly income.

Another key issue, Al Tamimi argued, is the lack of competition in certain markets. “Some goods are effectively monopolized by one, two, or three importers,” he noted. This concentration of market power gives a small number of players the ability to set prices with little competitive pressure. To address this, he urged efforts to open up the market. “Breaking these monopolies and encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter different sectors could help,” he said. “We need to streamline business procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that currently discourage new players. In many cases, we only have a handful of stores selling certain products. More competition will ultimately benefit the consumer.”

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