Kuwait’s visionary leadership has been on a remarkable journey over the past few years to empower the nation’s young talent to help accelerate digital transformation efforts and achieve the objectives of the Kuwait Vision 2035. This journey is being driven by the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which have the extraordinary potential to help tackle key challenges, enhance productivity, unlock creativity, and optimize operations across all industries. The leadership’s tireless efforts to raise awareness about the many benefits of AI, and equip young professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively leverage it, are exemplified by various initiatives such as the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence of Things Society.

The society not only aims to enhance the understanding of AI and its applications among Kuwaiti professionals but also supports the responsible development of highly innovative AI solutions that will positively impact society. Similarly, the Central Agency for Information Technology, which has long been at the forefront of empowering professionals across Kuwait’s public and private sectors, launched the Center of Excellence for Digital Productivity to help build up the skills of government employees in effectively utilizing the latest technologies including AI to enhance their productivity and drive growth across their respective organizations. Guided by the government’s vision of adopting AI to help achieve a better future for all, various educational institutions across Kuwait have also established departments and programs that familiarize students with AI technologies and how to work alongside them as they start their careers. And, as part of its efforts to empower students to create innovative solutions that tackle global challenges, the Kuwait Ministry of Education partnered with Microsoft and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity to launch the Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior competition in Kuwait. For the first time ever, the competition introduced a special lesson around Generative AI for students aged 13-18 years to help them enhance their understanding of the latest AI applications. Events such as these play a pivotal role in preparing bright young minds to enter a workforce that has placed significant emphasis on professionals having the necessary skills to leverage AI efficiently and effectively.

In fact, Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index report showcases a clear preference among employers for talent that is proficient in using the latest AI tools: 78% of business leaders are considering hiring for AI-specific roles to prepare for the future; top roles under consideration include AI trainers, data specialists, security specialists, AI agent specialists, ROI analysts, and AI strategists in marketing, finance, customer support, and consulting. In addition, 83% of business leaders believed that AI would enable their employees to take on more complex and strategic work earlier in their careers. Observations such as these highlight the massive opportunity that is present for young Kuwaiti students who are working to build up their AI expertise before they enter the workforce, and for professionals already in the workforce who are looking to skill up in AI. At Microsoft, we are committed to supporting such individuals across all industries through our comprehensive range of AI skilling initiatives and programs that are designed to help them stay ahead of the emerging skills gap and thrive in Kuwait’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As part of our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, we also collaborate regularly with leading institutions to empower students as well as public and private sector professionals through specialized workshops and training programs that help build their AI aptitude. Just recently, we entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Kuwait Government with the intent to establish an AI powered Azure Region to advance local AI capabilities, drive economic growth, and foster AI innovation across industries in Kuwait. This strengthened partnership will see us collaborate on a Cloud Center of Excellence that provides guidance and best practices for cloud adoption, as well as a Copilot Center of Excellence which will empower professionals to harness the numerous benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot including enhanced efficiency, significant time savings, and increased productivity. By helping foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation, we will continue to support efforts to accelerate Kuwait’s digital transformation and ensure a pool of world class talent that will shape the future of the country’s dynamic AI ecosystem.

By Alaeddine Karim
General Manager, Microsoft Kuwait