Microsoft has entered into a strategic partnership with the Government of Kuwait, represented by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), to accelerate the country’s digital transformation in alignment with Kuwait’s Vision 2035.
This collaboration aims to establish an AI-powered Azure Region, designed to enhance local AI capabilities, stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation across various industries. The new Azure Region will provide high-performance computing, scalable cloud services, and fast, reliable access to Microsoft technologies, positioning Kuwait as a regional leader in AI innovation.
By offering advanced infrastructure, the partnership seeks to attract global businesses and researchers to Kuwait, while cultivating a thriving ecosystem for technology startups. The initiative will also foster collaboration between global universities, researchers, and companies, driving innovation in AI technologies.
Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs, emphasized that the partnership reflects the directives of His Highness the Amir, the strategic guidance of His Highness the Crown Prince, and the continuous support of His Highness the Prime Minister. It aims to position Kuwait as a digitally advanced nation, leveraging AI technologies to diversify the economy and enhance innovation, trade, and investment. The AI-powered Azure Region will also address national challenges, driving economic growth and improving public services.
The collaboration will extend into cloud and AI transformation, cybersecurity, and AI literacy, establishing a Microsoft Technology Innovation Hub and an AI Innovation Center in Kuwait. The Cloud Center of Excellence will guide cloud adoption, develop cloud strategies, and implement the latest technologies to empower citizens and residents with advanced AI solutions.
Additionally, the government will roll out Microsoft 365 Copilot to government employees, marking a pioneering regional initiative. This integration will optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and increase productivity across government departments by automating routine tasks, streamlining processes, and providing intelligent insights for decision-making.
Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, stated that the partnership would accelerate AI transformation, enhancing public services and driving economic growth. Samer Abu-Ltaif, President of Microsoft EMEA, emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s cloud transformation and AI-driven solutions to boost productivity across both the public and private sectors.
Microsoft and the Government of Kuwait will also collaborate on the Cybersphere initiative, enhancing government cybersecurity with Microsoft’s tools and developing a skilling program to prepare the workforce for emerging technologies. This partnership is a key step in positioning Kuwait as a technology hub and a strategic partner in the region’s digital transformation.
The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) has approved the establishment of Microsoft Kuwait, further solidifying Microsoft’s role as a critical digital partner for the nation’s growth and digital ecosystem development.
