KUWAIT CITY, Nov 17: Kuwait opened the 4th Digital Transformation Conference on Monday, positioning the event as a national platform to advance the country’s digital agenda in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Najat Ibrahim told attendees that the conference, organized by Great Minds in cooperation with CAIT and the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), aims to accelerate Kuwait’s transition toward a digitally driven economy.

The two-day gathering will examine digital transformation across key sectors and highlight emerging technologies shaping Kuwait’s future. Ibrahim said discussions will center on empowering human capital through training and development, modernizing digital infrastructure, boosting cybersecurity, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence in government services. These steps, she said, are essential for Kuwait’s ambition to become a regional hub for digital innovation.

She added that the event brings together leading national and international experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart cities, digital health, and education to exchange knowledge and showcase cutting-edge technologies.

CITRA Vice Chairperson Manal Al-Mazeed emphasized in a similar address that digital transformation is “not a luxury, but a national necessity” to achieve development plans under Vision 2035. She said CITRA’s mission extends beyond regulation to enabling a resilient digital ecosystem that supports innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things, helping position Kuwait as a regional knowledge and business hub.

Al-Mazeed noted that Kuwait topped the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index for 2024 in 5G technology leadership. She added that Kuwait scored 76 points on the ITU’s Regulatory Tracking Index, placing it among third-generation regulatory environments. The country also ranked fourth globally—out of 164 countries—with a score of 98.4 percent in the ICT Development Index, reflecting strong readiness for digital transformation.

She reported that internet access in Kuwait is nearly universal, with 5G coverage reaching 100% of the population, 99.7% of individuals using the internet, 181 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and broadband subscriptions reaching 151%.

In his address, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence of Things Association, said the conference has become a leading platform uniting experts, innovators, and policymakers supporting Kuwait’s digital future. He said Kuwait has taken “clear and bold steps” in digital transformation through initiatives in AI, smart government, cybersecurity, and the modernization of education and health services—efforts that reflect the state’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy.

He stressed that these initiatives are not merely technical projects, but strategic pillars aimed at economic diversification, improving quality of life, and empowering national talent. He added that the association plays a complementary role by raising awareness of emerging technologies, connecting government with the private sector, and supporting national initiatives with measurable impact.

The conference features a series of dialogue sessions, including discussions on transforming Kuwait’s digital vision into implementation, rethinking digital infrastructure, and scaling cyber resilience.

A selection of some of the companies participating in the exhibition.

Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology, Najat Ibrahim, at the opening of the 4th Digital Transformation Conference in Kuwait

Some of the companies participating in the exhibition accompanying the conference.