Ambassador Ulrich Frank and Dr Werner Fasslabend with the Austrian trade delegation.
Ambassador Ulrich Frank and Dr Werner Fasslabend
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Austrian trade delegation in Kuwait to explore new investment opportunities
Delegation chief seeks strategic partnerships aligned with ‘Kuwait Vision 2035’
KUWAIT: A high-level Austrian trade and business delegation arrived in Kuwait on Monday with the aim of revitalizing longstanding bilateral cooperation and fostering new investment opportunities in alignment with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. Led by Dr Werner Fasslabend, President of the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce, the delegation highlighted a range of potential investment avenues in Austria – particularly in renewables, healthcare, tourism, and technology – during a reception hosted by Austrian Ambassador to Kuwait Ulrich Frank at his residence.
Dr Fasslabend noted that Kuwait’s Vision 2035 offers unique prospects for businesses in both nations to grow and realize shared objectives. The delegation includes representatives from 22 Austrian companies active in strategic sectors such as healthcare, investment, renewable energy, firefighting technologies, construction, oil and gas, and tourism. Ambassador Frank, praising the robust Austria-Kuwait relationship, expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen the already solid foundation of economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mubarak Abdulla Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Kuwait-Austria Business and Friendship Association (KABFA), attended the reception as the guest of honor. He emphasized Austria’s advancements in infrastructure and technology and stressed the importance of building trust in business relations. “Business is a product of human relationships, and human relationships are built not only on familiarity but also on trust,” Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah said.
Speaking to Kuwait Times on the sidelines of the event, Dr Fasslabend underscored the significance of the visit, stating that the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce is keen on identifying specific opportunities in Kuwait, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. “There are many similarities between Kuwait and Austria – both in size and strategic positioning, as well as in the structure of their business sectors,” he said. “Austria brings added value, especially with its high standards in technology.”
He also lauded Kuwait’s recent strides in technological advancement. “Thirty years ago, few would have predicted the level of progress Kuwait has achieved,” Dr Fasslabend remarked, highlighting the countries’ shared development trajectories. In response to a specific question, he said: “Kuwait’s Vision 2035 is a comprehensive blueprint for national development and presents an excellent opportunity for collaboration. Austria, with its strengths in renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure, is well-positioned to partner with Kuwait in realizing this vision.”
Tourism potential
Dr Fasslabend described Austria as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, renowned for its hospitality industry and high-end hotels. “Tourism is a sector where we see great potential for partnership with Kuwait,” he said, noting that over 10,000 Kuwaitis visited Austria in 2024. “The bilateral trade and investment volume between the two countries reached approximately €150 million last year,” he added. “This reflects positive growth in trade relations, and there is ample room to expand our collaboration further. It’s a mutual goal that Kuwait and Austria can strive toward together.”
KUWAIT: Zain announced its sponsorship and participation in the Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week (KSEW), held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). At the event, Zain showcased its efforts in leveraging technological innovation to support sustainability goals and reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy.
Zain took part in the opening ceremony, attended by the event’s patron, Dr Subeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water & Renewable Energy, alongside Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait, ministry officials, company executives, and a distinguished group of local and international experts in energy and sustainability. This participation came as part of Zain’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in national initiatives aimed at reinforcing the principles of sustainability and digital transformation. The company firmly believes in the importance of harnessing modern technologies to serve Kuwait’s environmental and developmental objectives.
Minister Al-Mukhaizeem explores Zain’s sustainable solutions at the company’s booth.
Al-Gharabally with Zain’s team at the company’s booth in the exhibition.
During the event, Zain hosted a dedicated booth at the accompanying exhibition, where it showcased a range of its latest ICT solutions that support sustainable goals. These included innovations in smart cities, smart meters, and other solutions that help reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. The company’s support to this national initiative reflects its continued role as a strategic government partner in the transition toward a sustainable digital economy. It also highlighted Zain Group’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global and regional efforts to combat climate change.
Zain also took the opportunity to highlight its Smart Meters Project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electricity and Water back in 2017. The project marked a key milestone in upgrading Kuwait’s energy infrastructure and paved the way for the adoption of further smart and sustainable solutions nationwide. The company reiterated its support for initiatives and projects that advance the future of clean energy and contribute to building a comprehensive national sustainability ecosystem. It emphasized that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains the optimal path to achieving the country’s sustainable development goals.
Zain has set strategic targets to reduce its carbon footprint and aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. To this end, the company continues to explore cutting-edge technologies such as 5.5G, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, which can help minimize the environmental impact of the ICT sector. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy initiatives, Zain recently installed a solar panel setup at the outdoor car park in its headquarters. The initiative promotes the use of clean energy to contribute to powering the company’s buildings and reducing its carbon emissions.
Reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the public sector in the journey toward a sustainable digital economy
KUWAIT: A massive dust storm hits Kuwait. Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. – KUNA
KUWAIT: Acting Director of the Meteorology Department Dharar Al-Ali said Kuwait is currently experiencing strong northwesterly winds causing widespread dust storms, with wind speeds surpassing 60 kilometers per hour and visibility falling below 1,000 meters in several areas, particularly in exposed regions. Speaking to KUNA on Saturday, Al-Ali attributed the unstable weather conditions to the extension of a surface depression accompanied by a hot and dry air mass. This has led to rising temperatures, soil disintegration, and an increase in airborne dust.
He urged citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies, to wear protective masks when heading outdoors. Al-Ali also cautioned beachgoers about high sea waves, which may reach up to seven feet, and advised highway users to exercise extreme caution due to poor visibility. The official further called on the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts by following the Meteorology Department through its official website, mobile application, and social media platforms. — KUNA
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