KUWAIT: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar affirmed Sunday that Kuwait is among the first countries to provide artificial intelligence services to all government employees through Microsoft’s Copilot technology. Speaking at the opening of the Microsoft AI Summit, he said Kuwait was selected as the first country in the region to establish an AI-powered cloud region, enabling the provision of Microsoft’s cloud-based AI services from Kuwait to countries worldwide.

Al-Omar said hosting the summit underscores Kuwait’s commitment to adopting modern technologies and building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy in line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision. He highlighted the country’s efforts to become a leading regional hub for technology and digital infrastructure. He described the partnership with Microsoft as a model for strategic cooperation with major global tech firms, aimed at developing digital infrastructure, cultivating national talent and expanding AI applications across state institutions.

Backed by the political leadership, the government is pressing ahead with ambitious programs to boost investment in modern technologies, establish an integrated digital ecosystem and empower national expertise to lead the country’s digital future and achieve sustainable development. Al-Omar expressed appreciation to Microsoft for organizing the summit, describing it as a key step toward advancing international cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure and opening new horizons for Kuwait’s innovation-driven future.

KUWAIT: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar delivers his speech at the opening of the Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Summit. – KUNA photos

General Manager of Microsoft Kuwait, Alaa Eldin Alaa Eldin

Naim Yazbek, President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa

A section of the audience at the Microsoft AI Summit.

Microsoft Middle East and Africa President Naim Yazbek praised the partnership, noting the government has facilitated the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and their integration into development plans through collaboration with public and private sectors. He said Kuwait’s AI strategy rests on two pillars: building the necessary infrastructure and training national talent in both sectors. He added that introducing AI tools across government agencies supports Kuwait’s ambition to lead the region in artificial intelligence, noting the partnership is the most significant in the Middle East.

Microsoft Kuwait General Manager Alaa Eldin said the partnership enables the company to deliver the latest AI technologies and flexible intelligent cloud solutions, while giving Kuwait the opportunity to be among the first countries globally to deploy mobile AI capabilities. He described the cooperation as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Kuwait’s position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation.

At the conclusion of the summit, Al-Omar honored winners of the AI Excellence Awards from various government and private entities. The Ministry of Finance received the Excellence Award for its AI-based electronic correspondence system. The Central Agency for Information Technology was recognized for implementing Secure Azure Landing Zones 44 in the government sector, considered a foundation for transitioning to Microsoft’s cloud services.

The Credit Bank was honored for its integrated protection systems using Microsoft AI. The Public Authority for Sport won for the “Hayakum” application, which contributed to the success of the Gulf Cup. The General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development received an award for its effective use of Copilot and integration with its internal systems. The Ministry of Health, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training and Kuwait Oil Company were also recognized, while from the private sector, Kuwait Finance House and the National Bank of Kuwait received awards. — KUNA

DHAKA: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Johar Hayat on Sunday described the ongoing political consultations between the foreign ministries of Kuwait and Bangladesh as the first of their kind, reflecting the depth and strength of bilateral relations. Speaking to KUNA after holding talks with Bangladeshi Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam and senior officials at the Middle East Department in Dhaka, Ambassador Hayat said the round was held in a “positive atmosphere” and forms part of the implementation of existing bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries’ foreign ministries.

He noted that the discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including political, military, security, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as collaboration in international forums, trade, investment, and skilled labor. Ambassador Hayat added that the consultations also addressed higher education, scientific research, civil aviation, oil, renewable energy, industry, food security, health, and medical services.

Assistant Secretary of State for Asian Affairs with Bangladesh’s Undersecretary for Political Affairs and senior Bangladeshi officials in the Middle East Department.

The talks further explored ways to strengthen ties between government sectors in both countries and examined issues of common interest. Ambassador Hayat emphasized that the consultations align with directives from the top political leadership to maintain frequent high-level visits and preserve the historical relations connecting Kuwait and Bangladesh. Both sides agreed to intensify technical, legal, and consultative coordination to ensure the implementation of signed agreements and memoranda of understanding, advance ongoing negotiations, and hold regular political consultations to monitor progress. The consultations concluded with a mutual commitment to further develop bilateral relations.

Prior to the consultations, Ambassador Hayat met with Muhammad Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, delivering a written message from Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The Kuwaiti delegation included Ambassador Ali Hamada, First Secretary Ahmed Al-Duwailah from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Bangladesh, and Diplomatic Attachés Sharifah Bokhdoor and Altaf Danboh from the Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior Bangladeshi diplomats and officials. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) hosted a press conference on Sunday in collaboration with the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Kuwait to mark the official launch of the program in the country. Shamael Al-Sharikh, Head of KPC’s Department of Relations, said the event represents “the intersection of ambition and science” and reflects the corporation’s commitment to supporting education, innovation, digitalization, and the empowerment of Kuwaiti youth. She emphasized that human capital is KPC’s most valuable investment and highlighted the importance of educational initiatives that equip young people with skills in emerging fields, particularly artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Al-Sharikh described KPC’s partnership with WRO Kuwait as “a natural extension of our corporate values, placing innovation and human capital development at the core of our priorities.” She added that the initiative provides a platform for youth to develop skills, innovate, and compete internationally, noting that STEM education and robotics encourage creativity and critical thinking. “Our strategic direction calls for achieving a sustainable future, which can only be realized through the bright minds and innovations of our youth, who will carry the banner of progress for our nation,” she said.

Shamael Al-Sharikh

Hamidah Rahimi, official organizer of WRO Kuwait, said the WRO was founded in Singapore in 2004 and has grown to include more than 100 countries and 30,000 international teams. Kuwait joined in 2024 and recently hosted a large workshop with participation from universities, the Youth Authority, students, parents, professors, and college graduates. She noted that in the first year of Kuwait’s participation, 27 teams registered and 12 competed, with the Kuwaiti team placing 23rd at the World Championship in Turkey. In the second year, participation rose to 83 teams and 240 individuals, with 12 teams qualifying for regional and world championships.

Rahimi highlighted KPC’s support, noting the provision of 80 educational programs distributed to schools and educational groups to facilitate training, contests, and competitions. She stressed that the WRO focuses on idea creation rather than specific technologies, encouraging innovation in robotics and problem-solving. Vahid Jourabchi, WRO Education Specialist, said the Olympiad now ranks among the world’s largest student robotics competitions, with over a hundred countries participating in the finals. He praised Kuwait’s rapid progress, citing the training of 253 participants in a single day.

“The WRO emphasizes education as much as competition, teaching students skills in AI, robotics, and programming essential for the future,” he said. Jourabchi added that one of WRO’s key categories is Future Innovators, in which Kuwait participates. He explained that in this category, the quality of the idea is paramount, allowing students to use simple or inexpensive robots to implement innovative solutions. The program supports participants aged 8 to 22, providing tools and guidance to develop, program, and present their projects for international competitions.