KUWAIT CITY, Feb 17: Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei officially inaugurated the 15th edition of the Middle East International Invention Exhibition on Sunday evening. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was attended by Talal Jassem Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Kuwait Scientific Club and the exhibition’s Supreme Committee, along with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries.

Speaking to the press, Minister Al-Tabtabaei expressed his pride in representing His Highness the Crown Prince at the opening of the exhibition, which is supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). The exhibition, running until February 19 at Al-Raya Hall in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, showcases the innovative works of 180 inventors from 42 countries, with 230 inventions spanning various scientific and technological fields.

The minister emphasized the exhibition's significant role in cementing Kuwait’s leadership in supporting creativity and innovation, noting that it is the second-largest invention exhibition globally and the largest in the Middle East. He reflected on the exhibition's remarkable growth, from its humble beginnings in 2006-2007, when it started with only 12 inventors in a small tent. Over the years, the event has evolved into a major international platform for innovation.

Al-Tabtabaei credited this success to the unwavering support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince, who have been instrumental in encouraging innovation and scientific projects. He underscored the importance of nurturing creativity as a fundamental pillar for a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing that supporting young innovators is key to sustainable development and global competitiveness.

“The exhibition reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and providing a supportive environment for inventions that align with global technological advancements,” Al-Tabtabaei stated. He also expressed his appreciation for the Kuwait Scientific Club and other supporting organizations, wishing success to all participants and hoping the exhibition would serve as a launching pad for groundbreaking global achievements that position Kuwait as a leader in innovation.

In his statement, Al-Kharafi noted that the exhibition continues to grow in scope, with 42 participating countries this year, including first-time participants Ecuador and Nigeria. He added that the event features 180 inventors, showcasing 230 inventions across various scientific and technical disciplines. Al-Kharafi also highlighted the importance of the Arab League’s participation for the first time, which has added significant value by offering cash prizes through five of its affiliated organizations.

Ali Al-Jumaa, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Scientific Club, emphasized that the exhibition serves as a platform to create investment opportunities for inventors, helping to transform their innovations into commercially viable projects. He stressed the club’s ongoing role in fostering a culture of invention and protecting intellectual property, noting that the fair has earned an esteemed global reputation since its inception in 2007.

The exhibition aims to encourage Kuwaiti inventors to showcase their work both locally and internationally and to collaborate with governmental and private institutions to further their projects. Al-Jumaa also highlighted the importance of embracing the knowledge economy and staying abreast of the digital revolution.

Minister Plenipotentiary Rehab Ezz ElDin, Director of Economic Relations at the Arab League’s General Secretariat, commended the exhibition for its high level of organization and extensive participation, emphasizing the importance of international invention fairs in supporting innovation and enhancing scientific cooperation. She extended greetings from the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and reiterated the League’s support for Arab inventors and scientific research.

With over 42 countries and 180 inventors participating, the 15th Middle East International Invention Exhibition has once again underscored the region’s commitment to technological progress, reinforcing Kuwait’s position at the forefront of global innovation and scientific development.