Interview: Abdulaziz Al Babtain, CEO, Ooredoo Kuwait, on utilising technology advancements to support economic diversification
What are the key drivers of growth and new revenue streams in Kuwait’s telecoms market, given near saturation in traditional services?
ABDULAZIZ AL BABTAIN: The industry’s growth engine has shifted from basic connectivity to delivering digital value. In Kuwait the next phase will be driven by enterprise and government digitalisation initiatives aligned with the country’s diversification agenda. Future opportunities lie in business-to-business and business-to-government services built on existing infrastructure – such as enterprise cloud solutions, managed services, cybersecurity and specialised internet of things (IoT) applications for sectors like oil and gas, logistics, and finance. At the same time, data monetisation is becoming increasingly important. By using analytics to personalise experiences and optimise network performance, telecoms operators can unlock new revenue streams while building deeper, more sustainable customer relationships.
How are emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT and cloud solutions reshaping opportunities for businesses and the wider economy?
AL BABTAIN: These technologies are central to Kuwait’s digital transformation and essential in achieving the New Kuwait Vision 2035. 5G and 5G-Advanced deliver high-capacity and ultra-low latency, enabling mission-critical applications and, in many cases, replacing traditional fixed infrastructure. IoT, meanwhile, is shifting the focus from connecting people to connecting systems and machines. In energy, industrial IoT enables real-time monitoring of pumps, supporting predictive maintenance and minimising downtime. In smart cities and logistics, 5G-Advanced combined with edge computing can provide dedicated, high-priority network slices for emergency services – ensuring seamless communication during critical moments. In public health care, technologies such as remote monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostics and high-definition teleconsultations are improving access to quality care, particularly in remote regions. For businesses, these capabilities open new avenues for innovation, efficiency and competitiveness across Kuwait’s economy. Cloud computing underpins all of this by providing scaleability, agility and local data residency – key elements of a modern, efficient economy.
In what ways can the telecommunications sector best support Kuwait’s national digital transformation and long-term objectives?
AL BABTAIN: The telecoms sector plays a three-fold role: enabler, investor and integrator. As an enabler, it delivers advanced infrastructure – such as 5G-Advanced and fibre networks – that support smart cities, digital government and industrial automation. As an investor, it contributes to economic diversification through digital talent development and investments in emerging sectors like financial technology. As an integrator, it serves as a secure digital node connecting government entities, enterprises and citizens, creating a unified, data-driven ecosystem that underpins Kuwait’s national transformation and advances its economic and social goals.
With rising customer expectations, how can operators balance affordability with delivering high-quality, innovative services?
AL BABTAIN: It is a balance that depends on operational efficiency and smart investment. By adopting AI-driven automation and network virtualisation, operators can reduce costs and reinvest in innovation. This allows for differentiated services – such as dedicated 5G access for enterprises – where clients pay for guaranteed performance, not just connectivity. For consumers, AI helps predict usage patterns, enhance coverage and address potential issues proactively, ensuring reliable, high-quality service.
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