Interview: Jalal Al Tabtabaei, Minister of Education, on utilising digital tools to modernise the sector and develop human capital
How is Kuwait’s education system evolving through the six-pillar reform plan to enhance learning outcomes in line with New Kuwait 2035?
JALAL TABTABAEI: The education system is undergoing comprehensive transformation aimed at aligning learning outcomes with the national agenda set out in New Kuwait 2035, the long-term national development programme. The 2025-27 educational reform programme focuses on developing human capital, strengthening educational systems and producing graduates who can thrive in a knowledge-based economy. The plan is structured around six key pillars that collectively aim to modernise the sector and ensure it meets future social and economic needs. The first pillar, administrative and financial reform, targets governance, transparency and efficiency, ensuring resources are used effectively while reducing waste. International standards form the second pillar, developed in partnership with global education experts to benchmark Kuwait’s system against the world’s best and participate meaningfully in international performance indicators. The curriculum development pillar has introduced a complete redesign of content from kindergarten through grade nine, embedding subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to prepare students for emerging industries while reinforcing national identity.
In what ways has technology improved the quality of education in Kuwait?
TABTABAEI: Technology has become a key driver of change in the sector, serving as a bridge between traditional teaching and modern, interactive learning environments. On the infrastructure side, modernisation has been accelerated by the launch of digital maintenance and management systems, such as the Balegh platform, which enables schools to track and resolve maintenance requests in real-time. This has already resulted in significant improvements in school environments, demonstrating the impact of integrating digital tools into operational processes. The digital transformation pillar in New Kuwait 2035 introduced automated administrative systems, digital archiving and e-learning platforms to streamline operations and enhance accessibility. A significant step forwards is the creation of a national data integration centre, enabling data exchange and interoperability across government and educational platforms. Teacher development and licensing efforts are establishing professional standards in collaboration with international partners, supported by extensive AI-focused training.
What strategies are being adopted to promote equity and inclusion, particularly for female students and students with disabilities?
TABTABAEI: Promoting equity and inclusion is increasingly being addressed through structural investment and system-wide planning. Current development programmes place greater emphasis on purpose-built educational environments for students with disabilities, including specialised campuses equipped with dedicated facilities, assistive technologies and trained support staff. Several large-scale special education complexes are being developed as part of a wider effort to provide more adaptive and supportive learning settings, alongside detailed operational planning to ensure long-term effectiveness. These specialised environments are designed to strengthen academic outcomes, well-being and independence, in line with evolving best-practice industry standards. At the same time, female participation in science, technology, engineering and maths continues to expand, supported by targeted programmes and competitive performance at the regional and international levels. This reflects broader efforts to widen access to advanced skills and improve long-term inclusion throughout the education system.
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