Kuwaiti tech authorities partner with Microsoft in digital transformation drive

LONDON: Kuwaiti technology and communications authorities signed a strategic partnership agreement with Microsoft on Wednesday to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.

The Central Agency for Information Technology and the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority will collaborate with Microsoft to strengthen Kuwait’s position as a hub for artificial intelligence in alignment with the country’s Vision 2035.

Omar Al-Omar, minister of state for communications affairs, said that the partnership with Microsoft represents a significant milestone in leveraging AI technologies to support economic diversification plans.

The scheme seeks to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait while preparing the workforce for leadership roles in emerging technologies, Kuwait News Agency reported.

It will also create a security platform that uses Microsoft solutions to protect Kuwait’s national digital infrastructure from cyber threats. Microsoft will launch a program to enhance digital skills in Kuwait’s workforce, focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, KUNA added.

Samer Abu-Ltaif, president of Microsoft for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said that the partnership would enhance Kuwait’s digital infrastructure and contribute to economic sustainability.

He added that Microsoft would collaborate with Kuwaiti technology authorities to enhance cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity in the public sector.

Al-Omar said that the government will implement Copilot for Microsoft 365 solutions for its employees, improving efficiency and productivity in government agencies.

He said that the government is preparing to launch the Copilot Solutions Center of Excellence along with new data centers to meet growing demand from the Kuwaiti private sector for high-performance computing solutions and access to Microsoft services.