KUWAIT: The Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), in cooperation with Google Cloud, on Wednesday launched the second edition of the National Digital Skills Initiative, aimed at empowering Kuwaiti professionals and enhancing their capabilities in advanced digital technologies. Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar said the initiative marks an important milestone in Kuwait’s comprehensive digital development efforts. “It provides employees across all sectors with practical experience in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, contributing to higher institutional efficiency and improving the quality of services offered to citizens and residents,” he stated.

Al-Omar emphasized that developing national competencies in modern technologies supports the creation of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, strengthening Kuwait’s competitiveness across multiple sectors. He described investment in human capital as “a permanent and renewable investment and the cornerstone for achieving the New Kuwait 2035 vision, a priority strongly endorsed by our wise leadership.”

KUWAIT: Attendees and participants take part in the initiative. – KUNA photos

Google Cloud Kuwait General Manager Shaima Al-Terkait discusses the initiative’s goals.

The Minister highlighted that the program reflects the strategic partnership between the Government of Kuwait and Google Cloud, noting its role in equipping employees with advanced digital skills. “Our collaboration with Google Cloud goes beyond training; it represents the state’s commitment to enhancing digital capabilities and positioning Kuwait as a hub for advanced global technologies and regional innovation,” he added.

Shaima Al-Terkait, General Manager of Google Cloud in Kuwait, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to empowering the Kuwaiti workforce and accelerating digital transformation. She noted that the program provides critical practical skills and certifications to navigate the evolving cloud landscape and prepares a future-ready talent pool to support Kuwait’s economic growth and technological advancement.

The first edition of the Kuwait Digital Skills Development Initiative was launched in October last year, focusing on cloud computing management, advanced data analysis, and machine learning. The initiative offers participants the opportunity to lead the country’s digital transformation, equipping them to implement cloud technologies effectively in the workplace and contribute to Kuwait’s broader digital vision.- KUNA

KUWAIT: The Cabinet convened its weekly session on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025, at Bayan Palace, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sharida Abdullah Al-Maousherji stated that the Cabinet began by extending sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 95th National Day.

The Cabinet wished further progress and prosperity for the Kingdom, praising its longstanding support for Arab and Islamic causes and the remarkable development achieved under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Cabinet also received a message from the President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), commending the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Kuwait for its effective aviation security systems and implementation of ICAO standards.

In recognition of these achievements, Kuwait will be awarded the “Chairman of the Council Certificate” at the opening of the 42nd ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada. The Council congratulated Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Sheikh Hmoud Mubarak Al-Hmoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Authority staff on the honor.

During the session, the Cabinet reviewed a visual presentation by Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Yousef Al-Sumait on the national plan to modernize the legislative system. The plan targets updating approximately 25 percent of current legislation (around 250 laws) by December 2026, covering social, economic, and criminal sectors, and aims to simplify procedures, stimulate development, and support Kuwait’s international legal obligations.

Finance Minister and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem briefed the Cabinet on Kuwait’s financial status as of March 31, 2025, highlighting that state assets continue to surpass liabilities, reflecting the country’s strong financial position and reinforcing investor confidence. He also reviewed the Fiscal Balance Program, ongoing economic reforms, and the expected growth of non-oil revenues in 2025/2026, driven by government service re-pricing and improved public finance management.

Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem further updated the Cabinet on his meetings with the IMF’s Middle East and North Africa Mission Head, Francesco Baroudi, who noted economic recovery, stable inflation, and a resilient banking system in Kuwait. Additionally, he briefed the Cabinet on discussions with a Chinese delegation regarding the implementation of clean energy agreements under the Shagaya and Abdaliya projects, key components of Kuwait’s renewable energy strategy. The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to cancel Law No 115 of 2014 establishing the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport and entrusted the Ministry of Public Works with railway and rapid transit projects to ensure their timely completion, in accordance with Article 3 of Decree No 116 of 1992.

The Council also expressed condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the passing of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sheikh, praising his charitable works and contributions to Islam. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved agenda items and referred several matters to relevant ministerial committees for study and reporting. It also ratified the minutes of the Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, concerning cases of loss and withdrawal of nationality in line with Decree Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments.- KUNA

NEW YORK: Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, held a series of high-level meetings on Monday at the Kuwait Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York with leading figures from international finance and technology sectors.

His Highness met with Wigney Johnson, CEO and President of Franklin Templeton Investments, and members of the US Chamber of Commerce, including Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President for International Development and Senior Vice President for the Middle East and Turkey; Steve Lutes, Vice President for the Middle East; Quan Coulter, Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs at State Street Corporation; and Teresa Carlson, Founding President and CEO of the General Catalyst Institute. Additional meetings included Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft, and Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google.

His Highness the Crown Prince receives members of the American Chamber of Commerce.

HH the Crown Princemeets with Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft.

HH the Crown Prince receives Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google.

His Highness the Crown Prince received on President of Slovenia Natasa Birke-Musar on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly at the headquarters of Kuwait’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.

His Highness the Crown Prince and Liberian President Joseph Boakai hold talks.

His Highness the Crown Prince receives President of Somalia Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

His Highness the Crown Prince met on Monday with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

His Highness the Crown Prince met on Monday with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly High-Level Week at the UN headquarters in New York.

His Highness the Crown Prince holds talks with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

During the discussions, His Highness conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir and emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing the presence of international companies in the country. He highlighted the role of such partnerships in expanding the investment base, diversifying the national economy, and opening new avenues for cooperation. His Highness stressed the importance of leveraging the advanced expertise of these companies to develop young Kuwaiti talents through knowledge transfer and modern technology, equipping them with the practical and scientific skills needed to contribute effectively across vital sectors and shape the nation’s future.

The meetings also covered the latest developments in the work of companies in Kuwait, global economic trends, and ways to strengthen joint cooperation to advance mutual interests. The meetings were attended by His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs at the Amiri Diwan Mazen Issa Al-Essa, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikha Al-Zain Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, and Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the UN Ambassador Tariq Mohammed Al-Bannai.- KUNA