Kuwait’s Digital Evolution Under Vision 2035
Kuwait is undergoing a significant digital transition as part of its Vision 2035, aiming to diversify its economy and establish itself as a regional financial and technological hub. A key focus of this transformation is the development of digital identity and biometric technologies, which are essential for updating government services and enhancing national security.
Biometric Projects and Government Initiatives
Recently, the Ministry of Interior’s biometric fingerprinting project reached a major milestone with over 3 million citizens and foreigners registered as part of the national digital transformation initiative. This biometric project is critical to improving security and modernizing government services by providing precise identification for accessing public and private sector services. While the project has made substantial progress, more than 754,000 individuals are yet to complete the registration. The deadline for Kuwaiti citizens has passed, but expatriates have until December 31 to comply. The initiative not only streamlines services but also bolsters Kuwait’s security infrastructure using biometric technology.
Role of STC Kuwait and Thales in Digital Growth
STC Kuwait, a major player in Kuwait’s digital transformation, has expanded its role from traditional telecommunications to becoming an integral part of the country’s digital advancement. The company has forged strategic contracts that enhance the nation’s connectivity, while assisting the government in meeting broader digital goals, such as incorporating biometrics and AI technology across various industries.
Similarly, Thales has been instrumental in supplying secure multi-application eID cards to citizens and residents. With advanced smart card technology and experience in identity management, Thales has played a key role in facilitating the shift to a digital government platform in Kuwait.
Kuwait’s Growing Digital Infrastructure
The push for a digitally empowered economy continues as Kuwait’s Vision 2035 also aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil. To realize this ambition, the government is making substantial investments in information and communication technology (ICT) and digital infrastructure. The ICT market in Kuwait was valued at $22.48 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $39.83 billion by 2029. The Vision emphasizes telecom improvements, especially the rollout of 5G networks, which will increase connectivity, improve digital services, and promote the growth of smart cities.
Security and Data Privacy Priorities
The Central Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has been instrumental in strengthening Kuwait’s cybersecurity landscape. However, the country still faces challenges related to cyber-attacks and data protection concerns. Despite the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC) in 2022, Kuwait remains the third most targeted country in the GCC by ransomware attacks. To tackle this, Kuwait has partnered with Microsoft to implement a Zero Trust security model to protect its digital platforms.
Financial and Security Sector Integration
Kuwait’s biometric initiatives are also significantly impacting the financial and security sectors. The Kuwait General Administration of Customs (KGAC), in collaboration with M2Sys, implemented a multimodal biometric border control system that incorporates facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris identification. The biometric registration efforts have also extended to the banking sector, where 60,000 unregistered individuals faced bank account suspensions due to the biometric registration deadline.
Mobile and Digital Identity Solutions
The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) is managing the civil ID initiative, which is the cornerstone of Kuwait’s digital infrastructure. The Kuwait Mobile ID app by Zain enables users to access government services, sign documents online, and complete transactions, thus enhancing Kuwait’s e-government services and improving the overall experience for citizens and residents.
Partnerships for Youth Empowerment and Skill Development
Kuwait’s private sector is also contributing to digital empowerment, particularly through initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills for youth. Collaborations with institutions like Zain, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) are providing training in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data.
Strategic Global Partnerships and Kuwait’s Technological Future
Kuwait’s collaboration with Google Cloud aims to digitize government services, secure data migration to the cloud, and develop a national digital skills program. This partnership aligns with Vision 2035, which emphasizes the diversification of Kuwait’s economy and the growth of technology sectors such as healthcare, education, and smart cities.
Cybersecurity and E-commerce Growth
Despite facing cybersecurity challenges, Kuwait’s e-commerce market has grown significantly due to increasing internet, mobile phone, and banking penetration. Online digital payments have surged, with Knet, Apple Pay, and Google Pay transactions growing nine times faster than point-of-sale transactions in recent years.
Kuwait’s Digital Identity Evolution
The journey toward a digital government began in the early 2000s and accelerated with the Kuwait Civil ID card program. In 2009, Kuwait launched the National Identity Project, which was completed in partnership with Intercede, Diyar United Company (DUC), and VeriSign to issue biometric-based smart ID cards.
Vision 2035 Goals and Future Outlook
Kuwait’s efforts under Vision 2035 are paving the way for a more secure and technologically advanced future. The country’s strategic alliances with firms such as Thales, Google Cloud, and STC Kuwait are enhancing connectivity, security, and e-services, supporting economic diversification and reinforcing Kuwait’s global position in the digital economy.
