ICT
From The Report: Kuwait 2025
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Kuwait’s ICT and telecommunications landscape is undergoing a transformative period under New Kuwait 2035. Policy actions — the phasing out of 3G networks, new data protection rules and the rollout of fibre-optic broadband — are reinforcing the digital foundation. Projects like Microsoft’s artificial intelligence-powered Azure Region and the Fibre in the Gulf subsea cable signal momentum in international connectivity and cloud capabilities. With near-universal internet access and record-high mobile speeds, Kuwait is positioning itself as a digital leader. Market value is projected to reach over $32bn by 2030, and double-digit expansion is predicted for segments such as IT security and cloud services. The government’s emphasis on fibre broadband and 5G advanced networks will drive connectivity. Business confidence in digital infrastructure is improving through cybersecurity measures and talent development. In the nascent start-up ecosystem, new funding rounds for fintech and logistics ventures combined with accelerators like Zain Great Idea, signal investor interest.

This chapter contains interviews with Omar Al Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs; Alaeddine Karim, Country General Manager, Microsoft Kuwait; and Abdulaziz Al Babtain, CEO, Ooredoo Kuwait.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Digital ambitions: New Kuwait 2035 initiatives are driving the country’s emergence as a major telecoms centre in the region
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Kuwait’s ICT and telecommunications landscape is undergoing a transformative period as the country accelerates toward the digital ambitions laid out in New Kuwait 2035. Oversight of the sector is led by the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), which was established in 2014. Together with the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), CITRA is responsible for driving large-scale digital initiatives including e-government services, cloud infrastructure and data privacy regulation. Key policy actions — such as the phasing out of 3G networks, new data protection rules and the rollout of fibre-optic broadband…

Interview

Accelerating progress: Omar Al Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs, on accelerating access to global-grade digital cloud infrastructure
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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 over 99% internet penetration and nationwide 5G coverage, Kuwait has moved beyond basic connectivity.…

Interview

Digital future: Alaeddine Karim, Country General Manager, Microsoft Kuwait, on the increased importance of cybersecurity and how new technologies are set to enhance urban services
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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, it is now a catalyst for economic diversification and innovation. The establishment of local data…

Analysis

Digital fortress: Confronting the next generation of cyberthreats in the GCC
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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the GCC is developing more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of such threats. Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, the six members of the GCC have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity by increasing their resilience and upgrading capacity. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 – which saw an increase in the number and sophistication of global attacks – has prompted more urgent action. The Portulans Institute’s Network…

Interview

Data-driven ecosystem: Abdulaziz Al Babtain, CEO, Ooredoo Kuwait, on utilising technology advancements to support economic diversification
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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…