KUWAIT: Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, welcomed John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, to Zain’s headquarters as part of his official visit to Kuwait. John Lee was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and China during his visit to Zain, which came as part of his wider visit to Kuwait from May 13–14.
His visit included meetings with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, and other senior government officials. Also in attendance were Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Advisor in the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister; Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Nawaf Al-Gharabally, CEO of Zain Kuwait; and senior officials from both sides.
Bader Al-Kharafi stated: “We are committed to implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to advance Kuwait’s transformation into a regional hub for the digital economy and create an attractive environment for investment led by the private sector. This visit aligns with that wise vision, as Kuwait and Hong Kong enjoy longstanding friendly relations.” Al-Kharafi welcomed the Chief Executive and his accompanying delegation, adding: “The two regions collaborate across various investment, trade, and economic fields at both governmental and private sector levels. This visit presents an opportunity to expand those horizons.”
Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi and Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee
Al-Kharafi presenting Zain’s strategy during the meeting.
Bader Al-Kharafi addressing the delegation.
Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee exchange commemorative gifts.
Bader Al-Kharafi and John Lee with the delegation and Zain’s leadership at the company’s HQ
He continued: “Hong Kong has long been recognized as one of the world’s most important international financial centers. Thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and favorable business environment, it stands as an ideal business hub. Moreover, it is a leader in innovation and among the top global centers for asset and cross-border wealth management.” Al-Kharafi added: “Our discussions with Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation explored ways to expand digital transformation initiatives, enhance telecom infrastructure, drive business growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration in 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and potential strategic partnerships.”
He further explained: “We also explored cutting-edge applications in ICT, digital innovation, and emerging technologies, and their impact on supporting digital economies. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most service-oriented economies and is deeply involved in R&D, particularly in AI.” He continued: “This visit was also an opportunity to present the highlights of our new five-year strategy, through which we aim to reinforce Zain’s regional leadership and steer the Group’s efforts toward building the largest tech conglomerate in the Middle East and Africa.”
The visiting delegation was introduced to Zain’s 40+ year journey of achievements in telecom and technology, and its decisive steps toward becoming a fully integrated digital service provider across the Middle East and Africa. They also explored Zain’s efforts to support government and enterprise clients and its impactful initiatives in sustainability, inclusion, diversity, and equity—areas in which Zain is recognized as a leader across its footprint. The Group also presented its strategic roadmap amid major shifts in the tech sector, led by its bold five-year strategy “4WARD,” which focuses on sustainability, capability building, and targeted growth.
Zain has built a strong legacy that positions it well for future market changes. It has launched major regional entities across several business areas, including: ZainTECH, the region’s leading brand in digital services, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, Zain Omantel International (ZOI), a game-changer in wholesale telecom, TASC Towers, the largest tower portfolio manager in the Middle East and Africa, Zain Ventures, the Group’s investment arm, Tamam, the Group’s micro-lending platform, Zain Cash, the digital wallet and money transfer service, BEDE, the fintech platform spearheading Zain’s regional financial services expansion, Dizlee, the API platform, and Zain Esports.
The “4WARD” strategy is anchored in four pillars: Customer Delight, Digital Zain, Purpose and Action, and Collaborative Growth. It offers a roadmap to expand Zain’s business footprint through sector diversification, synergy programs, and strategic partnerships—steps deemed crucial for long-term growth. The accompanying Hong Kong and Chinese delegation included senior government officials such as the Deputy Financial Secretary, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Commissioner for the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.
Also present were prominent business leaders, including the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Chairwoman of the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong), Vice Chairperson of Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Managing Partner and Head of Capital Markets at Gaw Capital, and senior executives from Bank of China (Hong Kong) and various leading technology, financial and consulting firms.
KUWAIT: Zain announced the kick-off of the sixth season of its Youth Summer Program, one of the company’s flagship initiatives under its community strategy to empower the next generation of national talent in the private sector and prepare a creative workforce capable of succeeding and excelling in today’s dynamic job market.
This year’s edition comes in partnership with the Kuwait News media organization, Kuwait Times English daily, INJAZ Kuwait, and for the first time, V-Thru, Kuwait’s leading virtual drive-thru platform, offering participants new hands-on training experiences in digital marketing, smart operations, and the logistics sector.
The program will host 35 university students from various majors in a one-month journey that combines fieldwork, hands-on training, and workshops focused on personal and professional skills, all within an interactive environment designed to reflect the needs of the fast-evolving digital job market.
Commenting on the launch, Hamad Al-Musaibeeh, Corporate Relations Department Manager at Zain Kuwait, said: “We’re proud to launch a new season of our summer program, which has become a highly anticipated annual milestone for ambitious youth. It’s not just a training opportunity, but a holistic platform for developing professional and leadership skills and guiding participants toward careers aligned with their talents and ambitions. Our growing partnerships with leading local organizations reflect our commitment to expanding the program’s scope and impact year after year.”
Scan the code to sign up.
He added: “This year, the program offers four core training tracks. The first is the field track at Zain’s retail branches across Kuwait, where participants will be trained in customer service, marketing, sales, and teamwork. The second is the media track in collaboration with Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, where participants will explore content creation, editing, journalism, and photography and videography.”
Al-Musaibeeh continued: “In addition, we have the career skills track in partnership with INJAZ Kuwait, which includes intensive workshops on leadership, communication, career planning, and job market readiness. Finally, the new technical and operations track in collaboration with V-Thru offers students practical experience in a startup environment, with exposure to digital marketing and logistics operations.”
Jana Khaldoun Alnaqeeb, Director of PR and CSR at Kuwait News and Kuwait Times, commented: “Our continued collaboration with Zain in this program for the second year running stems from our belief in the importance of involving youth in shaping media messages and providing them with the tools to understand the media’s impact. This season, we’ll focus on nurturing creativity and initiative among students through editorial and field experiences that reflect their authentic voices.”
Jaber Ashkanani, Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at INJAZ Kuwait, stated: “We are pleased to continue this strategic partnership with Zain, which spans over 20 years of collaboration aimed at preparing a well-informed generation capable of facing future challenges and the job market.”
He added: “This year, we are especially delighted to collaborate on delivering the ‘My Career Path’ program for enrolled youth, which focuses on developing leadership skills, creative problem-solving, as well as verbal and written communication skills, among other competencies that help young people become qualified, professional contributors to the workforce.”
“At V-Thru, we believe it’s our responsibility to pass on the knowledge, experience, and values we’ve gained through building one of Kuwait’s fastest-growing tech startups,” said Abdullah Al-Shalabi, Co-Founder and CEO of V-Thru. “This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in local youth and preparing them to thrive in a digital-first economy.”
“In turn, we gain valuable insights from this generation, their perspectives help us understand the evolving needs of tomorrow’s market. The program also serves as a strong recruitment channel: several of our top-performing employees started as interns.”
He added: “This partnership with Zain allows us to scale our impact by reaching even more students and fresh graduates, giving them hands-on exposure to real-world challenges in technology, operations, marketing, and customer experience. Together, we’re not just creating internship opportunities, we’re building a pipeline of future leaders for Kuwait’s innovation ecosystem.”
Zain’s Summer Program is held under the umbrella of its youth empowerment platform Future University Network (FUN), one of the company’s longest-running sustainable initiatives launched in 2008. Hundreds of students have benefited from the program over the years, many of whom later joined Zain’s workforce after graduation as full-time employees.
In the program’s last edition, participants completed over 90 training hours across various fields. The program achieved remarkable success, reflected in the valuable feedback shared by students and Zain’s partners, further underscoring the importance of continuing and expanding this initiative to meet the evolving aspirations of future generations.
KUWAIT: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the UAE signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday at Bayan Palace.
The signing took place during Sheikh Mansour’s official visit to Kuwait, aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and addressing issues of mutual interest. The visit reflects the enduring partnership between the two Gulf nations, which has evolved over six decades into a model of regional cooperation rooted in shared goals and mutual support.
The agreements span a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, transportation, social development, industry, education, energy, justice, investment, healthcare and data protection. Officials from both governments signed the agreements in the presence of their respective ministers, reflecting high-level commitment to deepening collaboration.
HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah accompanies Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah.
Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Dr Noura Al-Mashaan, and the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei pose for a picture after signing an MoU on land transport and road development.
Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah and UAE Minister of Community Development Shamma bint Suhail Al-Mazrouei pose for a photo.
Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei and UAE’s Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al-Amiri pose for a photo.
Among the agreements was an MoU between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwaiti Diplomatic Institute, signed by Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and UAE’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar. In the field of infrastructure, an MoU on land transport and road development was signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan and UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei.
Social development cooperation was formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah and UAE Minister of Community Development Shamma bint Suhail Al-Mazrouei. Industrial and technological collaboration was also addressed in an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Jaber. In education, an MoU was signed between Kuwait’s Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei and UAE’s Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al-Amiri.
Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait, and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Awad Al-Nuaimi.
Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, and UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi.
Kuwait’s Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani and the UAE’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifa Hareb Al-Khaili.
In the energy sector, Kuwait’s Minister of Oil Tariq Al-Roumi and UAE’s Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei signed an MoU on cooperation in oil and gas. Two additional MoUs were signed in the areas of justice and human trafficking, by Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait and his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Awad Al-Nuaimi. Cooperation in electricity, water, and future energy was also formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, and again by Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei.
In the area of economic collaboration, an MoU to promote direct investment was signed by Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi. Health sector cooperation was formalized through an MoU signed by Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and UAE Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman Al-Owais. Finally, a security-focused MoU on protecting shared data and information in joint projects was signed by Kuwait’s Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani and UAE’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Khalifa Hareb Al-Khaili. — KUNA
Bulgaria close to joining euro currency but faces disinformation and fear
‘Kuwait-China inked MoUs, projects on steady track’
Kuwait, UAE sign wide-ranging cooperation agreements
Traffic violations plunge 83% | Kuwait Times Newspaper
IKEA, KU unite to empower young designers
Drug Offenses Lead to 112 Arrests Across Kuwait
How people in Kuwait are offering Eid Al-Adha sacrifices in 2025
Outgoing Chinese envoy praises growth in China-Kuwait ties
