Strategic Partnership Agreement with Microsoft

Last Wednesday, the State of Kuwait, represented by the Central Agency for Information Technology and the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft. This partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance Kuwait's status as a regional hub in the field of artificial intelligence, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

High-Level Endorsement and Vision

Minister of State for Communications, Omar Al-Omar, stated at a press conference that the partnership with Microsoft reflects the high directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, with close follow-up from the Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdallah.

Enhancing AI Technologies and Economic Diversification

Minister Al-Omar emphasized that this partnership represents an important step towards enhancing the use of artificial intelligence technologies to support the state's efforts and achieve its ambitious vision. It also supports plans for economic diversification, promoting innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Read also: Kuwait in a Week

Qualifying the National Workforce

He noted that this initiative would contribute to qualifying the national workforce to keep pace with the latest developments and empower them to assume leadership roles in technological fields. Establishing new data centers will address national challenges and build an integrated ecosystem for artificial intelligence that supports development, enhances the digital economy, and improves public services.

Adoption of Microsoft Solutions

Al-Omar confirmed that the government would provide its employees with Microsoft 365 for Copilot solutions, making Kuwait one of the first countries in the region to comprehensively adopt these advanced solutions. This initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency and increase productivity in governmental authorities.

Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence

A Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence will be launched to provide necessary consultations and resources to ensure optimal use of these technologies across all sectors.

Responding to Increasing Demand

Al-Omar added that continuous investment in this field comes in response to the increasing demand from Kuwaiti institutions and companies for high-performance computing solutions and quick access to Microsoft's advanced services. New data centers will play a pivotal role in providing advanced cloud services, accelerating digital transformation, and adopting cloud services across various sectors.

Providing Digital Infrastructure

He emphasized the importance of providing an attractive digital infrastructure for global companies, researchers, and innovators. This infrastructure will support the entrepreneurial environment by providing the necessary resources and expertise for startups in the technology sector.

Commitment from Microsoft

For his part, the President of Microsoft for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, Samer Aboultief, confirmed during the press conference that the partnership with the State of Kuwait enhances the country's digital infrastructure and contributes to the sustainability of economic prosperity.

Cybersecurity Initiative

Aboultief explained that Microsoft will work with the Kuwaiti government to implement the “Cybersphere” initiative to strengthen cybersecurity in the government sector by building a security platform that uses Microsoft solutions to protect the national digital infrastructure from cyber threats.

Read also: 5 Major Cultural Projects in Kuwait

Developing Digital Skills

He noted that the company will launch a comprehensive program to develop the digital skills of the workforce in Kuwait, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies to ensure that national competencies are ready for the future labor market.

Microsoft's Vision and Commitment

Microsoft (MSFT on Nasdaq) is a global leader in providing innovative technology solutions, developing AI-driven platforms and tools based on ethical and responsible principles to empower individuals and organizations to achieve more. Microsoft's commitment to developing Kuwait's cloud infrastructure reflects its vision of empowering both government and private institutions and enhancing the environment for innovation and investment.

Key Objectives of the Agreement

• Accelerating digital transformation and enhancing Kuwait's position as a regional hub in artificial intelligence.
• Promoting the use of AI technologies to support the state’s efforts.
• Supporting economic diversification plans and enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Preparing the national workforce to keep pace with the latest developments and empowering them to take on leadership roles in technology fields.
• Addressing national challenges and building an integrated AI ecosystem that supports development and enhances the digital economy.
• Providing Microsoft 365 solutions for Copilot, making Kuwait one of the first countries in the region to adopt these solutions.
• Improving operational efficiency and increasing productivity in government agencies.
• Providing an attractive digital infrastructure for global companies, researchers, and innovators.