KUWAIT CITY, Dec 15: In a major step towards implementing the roadmap for the country’s comprehensive digital transformation project, the State Audit Bureau (SAB) approved the request of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) to sign a lease contract with Google Cloud for establishing three major data centers in different locations in Kuwait, with total revenues of up to KD 12.6 million over the next 20 years. According to informed sources, the approval followed a thorough review of CITRA’s request, which outlined the annual revenues from the three sites — Sulaibiya Agricultural Area, Jaber Al-Ahmad Residential City, and South Al-Mutlaa Residential City.

These sites, each spanning 30,000 square meters, are expected to generate annual revenues of KD 210,000 from each center. The sources said, “This step will significantly boost CITRA’s revenues over the 20-year contract, totaling KD 12.6 million. The contract, which is set to be signed soon between CITRA and Google, is based on Cabinet’s resolution No. 1274/2023 that granted CITRA the authority to conclude and sign contracts for private state real estate properties related to facilities, land, and uses allocated to the authority.”

They affirmed that SAB approved the contract with Google Cloud Services, under the condition that CITRA coordinates with the relevant ministries to ensure the lands are delivered free of obstacles before finalizing the agreements, and SAB has set a maximum approval period of 90 days. The sources highlighted that this project represents a strategic move to strengthen cloud infrastructure in Kuwait and reflects the collaboration between the government and international companies to enhance digital transformation, in line with the state’s vision for digitalization.

By Mohammed Al-Enezi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff