KUWAIT CITY, March 6: Kuwait, represented by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), signed a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft on Wednesday to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and strengthen its position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI), in alignment with 'Kuwait Vision 2035.'

Minister of State for Communications Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, addressed the media during a press conference held on the occasion. He highlighted that the partnership with Microsoft aligns with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the close follow-up from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Al-Omar emphasized that this collaboration marks an important milestone in utilizing AI technologies to support the state’s efforts in achieving its ambitious vision, as well as supporting economic diversification plans. The initiative is expected to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait, while also preparing the national workforce to stay ahead of the technological curve, enabling them to take leadership roles in emerging fields.

He further explained that the establishment of new data centers would address national challenges and create a comprehensive AI system that drives development, enhances the digital economy, and improves public services. He also revealed that the government will introduce "Copilot for Microsoft 365" solutions to its employees, making Kuwait one of the first countries in the region to fully adopt these advanced solutions. This initiative is anticipated to improve operational efficiency and boost productivity in government agencies.

Al-Omar mentioned the launch of the "Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence," which will provide the necessary consultations and resources to ensure optimal use of these technologies across all sectors. The government’s ongoing investment in digital transformation is driven by the increasing demand from Kuwaiti institutions and companies for high-performance computing solutions and rapid access to Microsoft’s advanced services. He noted that the new data centers will play a crucial role in offering cutting-edge cloud services that will accelerate digital transformation and facilitate the adoption of cloud technology across various sectors.

The minister also stressed the importance of providing an attractive digital infrastructure to global companies, researchers, and innovators. This will contribute to nurturing the entrepreneurship environment by offering the necessary resources and expertise to emerging tech companies in Kuwait.

Samer Abu Ltaif, President of Microsoft in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, also spoke at the press conference, reaffirming that the partnership with Kuwait would enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and contribute to the sustainability of its economic prosperity. He added that Microsoft’s commitment to developing Kuwait’s cloud infrastructure reflects the company’s broader vision of empowering both government and private institutions, as well as strengthening the innovation and investment landscape in the country.

Abu Ltaif highlighted Microsoft’s collaboration with the Kuwaiti government to implement the Cybersphere initiative, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity in the public sector. This will involve creating a security platform using Microsoft’s solutions to protect Kuwait's national digital infrastructure from cyber threats.

Additionally, Microsoft will launch a comprehensive program to develop digital skills among Kuwait’s workforce, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. This program will ensure that Kuwait’s national workforce is prepared for future challenges in the labor market.

Microsoft, a global leader in technology innovation, continues to develop AI-driven platforms and tools that follow ethical principles, enabling individuals and organizations to achieve more through responsible technology.