Interview: Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, CEO, Kamco Invest, on fostering resilient long-term investor confidence How would you characterise the current economic landscape in the GCC amid ongoing fiscal reforms and diversification efforts? FAISAL MANSOUR SARKHOU: The region is undergoing a period of structural transformation. We are no longer discussing diversification as a long-term aspiration; we are…
Interview: Ali Khalil, CEO, Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz), on market innovation, technological opportunities and strategic challenges How do you see the financial services sector evolving in response to efforts to diversify the economy? ALI KHALIL: The financial services sector acts as a key enabler, allocating capital to the areas of the economy most likely to grow and deliver returns. Given…
Interview: Ali Al Hendal, CEO, GIG Kuwait, on how digital tools and regulatory reforms are transforming distribution How will the 2025 rules on mandatory policies and QR-based verification reshape distribution, fraud control and customer trust? ALI AL HENDAL: Standardised policy formats will reduce ambiguity, while QR verification – which comes into effect after the implementation period and applies…
Interview: Tareq Al Roumi, Minister of Oil; and Chairman, Board of Directors, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), on contributing to environmental targets while meeting energy demand How do you envision Kuwait balancing its commitment to traditional oil production with the growing global shift towards renewable energy sources? TAREQ AL ROUMI: Kuwait aims to maintain its position in oil production…
Interview: Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al Sabah, CEO, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, on driving industrial expansion Where are the opportunities for enhancing performance at the Al Zour refinery? SHEIKH NAWAF SAUD AL SABAH: The Al Zour Refinery is an important asset for Kuwait’s energy sector. As one of the world’s largest and most advanced refining complexes, operating at 615,000 barrels per day, it gives…
Interview: Ahmad Jaber Al Eidan, CEO, Kuwait Oil Company, on balancing growth and sustainability in oil production How is the balance between output optimisation and global commitments being navigated? AHMAD JABER AL EIDAN: Kuwait is committed to aligning with the framework set out by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allied oil-producing nations, collectively known…
Interview: Abdulatif Hamed Hamad Al Mishari, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, on urban expansion and sustainability measures How is Kuwait’s housing sector adapting to the growing demand for affordable housing? ABDULATIF HAMED HAMAD AL MISHARI: Kuwait’s housing sector is undergoing a significant shift to respond more effectively to rising demand…
Interview: Abdulaziz Ghazi Alnafisi, CEO, Salhia Real Estate Company, on the rebound in commercial and high-end residential trends How has the projected rebound in commercial real estate occupancy rates in Kuwait City influenced investment and development strategies? ABDULAZIZ GHAZI ALNAFISI: There is a broader return of confidence to the market: tenants are re-engaging, businesses are expanding…
Interview: Alaeddine Karim, Country General Manager, Microsoft Kuwait, on the increased importance of cybersecurity and how new technologies are set to enhance urban services In what ways do you see the adoption of cloud technologies evolving, particularly with the recent establishment of local data centres? ALAEDDINE KARIM: Cloud adoption has entered a new phase. Once seen mainly as an IT upgrade,…
Interview: Omar Al Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs, on accelerating access to global-grade digital cloud infrastructure How is the ICT sector evolving in response to projected growth of $5.8bn in 2024 to $12.4bn by 2032? OMAR AL OMAR: The forecasted expansion of the sector is a result of strategic investment and a core pillar of economic diversification under New Kuwait 2035. With…
