المنتدى الدولى للصحافة والإعلام

 

Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, the “Seventh Gulf Virtual Conference: Techno Innovation, Techno Entrepreneurship, and Techno Artificial Intelligence towards Economic Diversification” was held on July 26 and 27, 2026, via Zoom, with the participation of more than 100 local, Gulf, and international experts, 28 leading figures including sheikhs and ministers, 10 inventors holding patents, and 10 startups, across 18 dialogue sessions extending for 10 hours daily.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, Minister Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma addressed the State of Kuwait’s strong commitment to supporting innovation, empowering youth, and promoting entrepreneurship, based on Kuwait Vision 2035 and the belief that investment in people is the fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and building a knowledge-based economy. This is in line with what His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, may God protect and preserve him, emphasized in the final statement of the 45th Gulf Summit regarding the need to focus on economic diversification and innovation as two fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable growth.

He added that these directions represent an incentive to continue joint Gulf efforts, exchange expertise, and adopt qualitative initiatives that strengthen the innovation environment, open new horizons for youth and entrepreneurs, and contribute to achieving development and prosperity for our countries and peoples.

In her speech, Conference President Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak stated that His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, may God protect him, at the Gulf-American Summit on May 14, 2025, emphasized that the economy should be the central pillar of our partnership, and that we look forward to launching joint initiatives in investment in smart infrastructure, supporting the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, promoting fair free trade, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating an integrated and resilient Gulf economy capable of meeting the aspirations of youth through diversifying sources of income.

Al-Mubarak, Economic Diversification and Innovation Advisor, explained that we meet today under the conference slogan, “An Innovative Gulf towards a Diversified Economy,” as a commitment to unifying Gulf and Arab efforts, exchanging expertise, and building effective partnerships between the government and private sectors, in order to create an environment that stimulates innovation and smart digital production, and to strengthen the position of our countries so that we can rank among the world’s leading economies.

Al-Mubarak added that the conference embodied the Gulf-Arab Initiative for Economic Diversification, which she launched in 2020, as the initiative has been transformed into a practical reality that intersects with the vision of the State of Kuwait, which focuses on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, building advanced digital infrastructure to enhance competitiveness, transitioning to smart e-government to facilitate operations and services, increasing private-sector participation, and developing non-oil sectors towards diversifying sources of income. It also supports Gulf and Arab visions that meet the aspirations and ambitions of our peoples, emphasizing the importance of empowering joint Gulf and Arab action and advancing cooperation at all educational, health, technological, environmental, cultural, and commercial levels.

Al-Mubarak concluded her speech by stating that countries around the world have focused in their future visions on the importance of the innovation ecosystem, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy as fundamental drivers of sustainable growth, economic diversification, and global competitiveness, while enhancing competitiveness and independence. The vision of the European Union has focused on enabling leadership in artificial intelligence and achieving a delicate balance between supporting innovation and ensuring safety and fundamental rights. The vision of the United Kingdom has focused on unleashing the potential of artificial intelligence to drive economic growth, aiming to make Britain a world leader in artificial intelligence, remove barriers, and attract investment. The vision of the United States of America for artificial intelligence has focused on three fundamental pillars: accelerating artificial intelligence innovation, building artificial intelligence infrastructure, and leadership in international diplomacy and security.

Princess Doaa Bint Mohammed, a pioneer in community work, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Mahra Education Company, and former Supreme President of the Arab Women Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, participated in the opening ceremony and highlighted the complementary relationship between education technology, financial technology, and artificial intelligence as the fundamental pillars of the economy of the future.

Princess Doaa affirmed in her speech that investment in education technology and smart training represents a strategic investment in building human capital and preparing qualified personnel to lead the financial technology sector, noting that the economy of the future will not be built by material resources alone, but by minds capable of innovation and adapting to changes.

She presented figures reflecting the reality of digital transformation and economic diversification, noting:

• Saudi digital economy: Its size has exceeded SAR 495 billion, raising its contribution to 15.6% of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

• The region and the world: The digital economy represents approximately 8% to 10% of the GDP of the Gulf states, with a value exceeding USD 180 billion, while it accounts for 15% of global GDP, with an estimated value reaching USD 19.2 trillion.

• Non-oil activities: They now represent approximately 55% of the Kingdom’s real GDP, reflecting the success of the economic diversification process.

• Impact of artificial intelligence: It is expected to contribute more than USD 135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, equivalent to 12.4% of GDP.

His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Qasimi, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department, praised the importance of the conference in his opening speech, noting that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, may God preserve him, and alongside his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister, may God preserve him, has made investment in people, knowledge, and innovation a consistent approach, and views technology as a partner in development, an instrument for enhancing quality of life, and a contributor to building a more diversified and sustainable economy.

Over the course of only a few years, the UAE has succeeded in establishing its position as a global center for business, innovation, and investment, providing a flexible legislative and regulatory environment, advanced digital infrastructure, and an integrated ecosystem supporting the new economy and attracting global companies, entrepreneurs, talents, and competencies from around the world.

The country has also devoted great attention to developing artificial intelligence applications, accelerating digital transformation, supporting research and development ecosystems, empowering startups, and preparing national competencies capable of leading the economy of the future, based on a firm conviction that investment in minds is the most valuable and sustainable investment.

Dr. Abdel Wahab Ghoniem, Advisor to the British Cambridge College and Chairman of the Board of Smart Solutions for Studies and Business in the Arab Republic of Egypt, explained during his speech that the world is experiencing complex geopolitical and economic conditions that have led to a slowdown in the global economy and disruptions in supply chains.

Dr. Ghoniem affirmed that applications of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, particularly transformation and the digital economy, constitute the fundamental wing of sustainable development, as the size of the digital economy is approaching 50% of the global economy, while e-commerce amounts to approximately USD 29 trillion, according to UNCTAD reports.

He presented figures on the drivers of global growth, noting:

• Startups and entrepreneurship: The global market size reaches USD 1 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 18%, and includes approximately 150 million companies employing 665 million people, with a focus on financial technology, e-commerce, and renewable energy sectors.

• Artificial intelligence: It is expected to contribute USD 13 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

• Innovation and patents: The number of patents worldwide reaches 3.7 million annually, with a growth rate of 4.9%, compared with only tens of thousands in the Arab region.

Dr. Ghoniem concluded his speech by calling for Arab countries to pay greater attention to scientific research and development and allocate budgets ranging between 2% and 3% of GDP to support it, in addition to providing the necessary studies and financing for entrepreneurship projects to ensure global competitiveness.

Princess Hind Bint Abdulrahman Al Saud, International Ambassador for Social Responsibility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, explained in her speech that the conference, for the seventh consecutive time, represents a leading model and one of the most important distinguished Gulf and Arab initiatives in the field of economic diversification based on innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence.

Princess Hind cited statements by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the achievements and exceptional transformation achieved by Saudi Vision 2030 after a decade since its launch, affirming that this journey has succeeded in transforming visions into reality experienced by citizens and sustaining the impact of development.

She reviewed the key pillars and results of the Saudi economy towards diversification:

• Structural reforms: Diversifying sources of income and reducing dependence on oil, which enhanced economic resilience and improved the efficiency of public spending and public finances.

• Results achieved by the end of 2025: The growing role of the private sector and the dominance of non-oil activities, along with empowering citizens, improving quality of life, and achieving social stability.

• International recognition: The reform process received broad recognition from major international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as credit rating agencies, which praised the strength of the Kingdom’s financial position and economy.

Princess Hind concluded her speech by thanking Conference President Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak and those responsible for the conference, affirming that this event strengthens the resilience of partnerships and the economy of the Gulf and Arab region.

His Excellency Engineer Mohamed Ben Omar, Secretary-General of the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technology in the Republic of Tunisia, emphasized the importance of holding the conference at a time when the world is experiencing one of the greatest economic and technological transformations, affirming that the rapid development of artificial intelligence is establishing a new global economy in which concepts of productivity and rules of competition are changing.

Engineer Ben Omar explained in his speech that artificial intelligence has become a strategic criterion for measuring countries’ readiness for the future and stimulating innovation, noting that economic diversification in the Arab region has become an urgent necessity requiring investment in the knowledge economy and entrepreneurship and building digital ecosystems that transform data into added value.

He reviewed the efforts of the Arab Organization for Communication and Information Technologies (AICTO), noting:

• Governance and digital sovereignty: Working to develop Arab frameworks for artificial intelligence governance based on ethics and national capacity building.

• Investment in minds: Emphasizing that real investment is not only in algorithms, but in the personnel and minds capable of developing and governing them.

• Regional and international invitation: Extending an invitation to participate in the 2026 AI-Forward Summit, which will be held in Hammamet, Tunisia, in September 2026 under the theme “Shaping the Future of Intelligence: From Vision to Value.”

Sheikha Fajr Bint Ali Al Khalifa, Founder and Chairwoman of Al-Fajr Foundation for Self-Development and Vice President of the Arab Advisory Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain, addressed the need to make economic diversification and technological innovation two fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development in the region.

Sheikha Fajr affirmed that accelerating global transformations have made economic diversification an urgent necessity that can no longer be classified as a future option, stressing that technology represents a driving force for reshaping economies, strengthening productive sectors, and creating new opportunities for growth.

During her speech, she highlighted the following key points:

• The integration of technology with societal awareness: The true power of technological progress is multiplied when combined with awareness, regional cooperation, and innovation, contributing to improving individual well-being and the prosperity of societies.

• Investment in knowledge and minds: Building competitive economies requires direct investment in knowledge, developing human capabilities, and creating environments that stimulate creativity and are capable of adapting to challenges.

• Partnership between technology and the economy: The future requires treating technology and the economy as two essential partners for building a balanced reality that benefits everyone.

The Emirati inventor Sheikha Shaikha Salem Al-Wahshi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Future Vision for Smart Systems and Security Solutions in the United Arab Emirates, also participated and reviewed the role of advanced technologies in achieving technological sovereignty, national security, and sustainable economic diversification in the GCC countries.

Al-Wahshi affirmed in her speech that the Gulf countries are experiencing a golden phase of economic transformation based on innovation and artificial intelligence, noting that her innovative projects seek to transform national directions into ready sovereign projects protected by patents.

She highlighted the most prominent innovative projects developed by the company:

• “Al-Sadd” Cybersecurity System (SADD): An advanced system for protecting government servers and data from cyberattacks through real-time analysis and fortification.

• Smart Automation and Recruitment Platform: A platform supporting decision-makers in managing and attracting human competencies and classifying them through real-time artificial intelligence analysis.

• “HIS” Food Security System: An innovative system that employs artificial intelligence and drones to monitor the health of palm trees and protect agricultural wealth.

Sheikha Salem Al-Wahshi concluded her speech by affirming the company’s readiness to build strategic partnerships that enhance knowledge transfer and localize advanced technologies in the GCC countries, extending her thanks to Conference President Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak and Ecosystem Foundation for the excellent organization.

His Excellency Dr. Essa Al-Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, also reviewed during his participation the role of higher education and scientific research as a fundamental pillar for building a knowledge economy and sustaining development in the GCC countries.

Dr. Al-Bastaki affirmed that economic diversification has become a strategic necessity for leadership, as knowledge sectors and artificial intelligence have become among the most important sources of global growth, noting that universities are no longer merely platforms for graduating students, but centers of innovation and essential partners for industry and transforming ideas into marketable startups.

He highlighted the main features of the UAE’s experience in digital and technological excellence:

• Techno Innovation: Launching national strategies for innovation, industry, and advanced technology, and investing in smart cities and business incubators.

• Techno Entrepreneurship: Providing a legislative environment, free zones, and financing funds that have made the UAE a global model in the fields of financial, healthcare, and educational technology, clean energy, and space.

• Artificial Intelligence Applications: Moving to the stage of integrating Agentic AI into government work and services, in addition to implementing national programs to qualify tens of thousands of employees to use these technologies.

Dr. Essa Al-Bastaki concluded his speech by citing the statement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The future belongs to those who imagine, design, and implement,” emphasizing that true wealth lies in investing in people and creative minds before technology.

In his speech, His Excellency Dr. Jamal Al-Saeedi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qada Holding Group in the United Arab Emirates, addressed this proposition, focusing on investment in knowledge and human capacity building as the fundamental pillar of sustainable economic diversification.

At the beginning of his speech, he expressed his pride in the launch of the “Seventh Gulf Virtual Conference” in the State of Kuwait as a platform bringing together a distinguished group of decision-makers and experts to formulate practical visions and sustainable partnerships.

Dr. Al-Saeedi affirmed that the world is going through a “turning point” in the course of economic competition based on utilizing knowledge and artificial intelligence instead of relying solely on traditional resources. He explained that the success of this transformation is based on three integrated pillars:

• Innovation: The driver for generating solutions and renewing working tools.

• Entrepreneurship: The bridge for transferring ideas into projects with tangible impact.

• Artificial Intelligence: The multiplier of impact across various sectors.

His Excellency stressed that economic diversification passes through investment in people, governance, and responsible adoption of technology, noting that “trust and data protection are the true capital of any successful digital transformation.”

Rashed Al-Ouhaihan, Director of the Trademarks and Patents Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, participated by discussing countries’ interest in intellectual property, affirming that this contributes to development in trade and industry as well as technological and economic development.

Medicine and medical devices provide an example by which all other fields can be measured. The invention of medicine requires research and medical trials by scientists and inventors, requiring their effort and time to reach this medicine, and all of this requires costs estimated at very large amounts. If this medicine enters the markets without intellectual property protection, through a patent, it becomes exposed to piracy, as other pharmaceutical factories may take and analyze the medicine and sell it in the markets at a low price because these pirating factories have no costs. This causes the invention to die because its owner is not compensated for the efforts and expenses invested in developing the medicine.

Medical devices are also considered inventions. If they are protected through intellectual property, these inventors work to develop these inventions and also invent other devices, because of the significant financial return they receive due to the legal protection of intellectual property. In the absence of protection and with the piracy of their inventions, there is no financial return from the invention, which leads to the suppression of this developmental thinking.

For his part, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Morshedi, Director General of the Patent Office at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council, stressed, in a speech delivered on his behalf, that intellectual property has become a strategic tool for stimulating investment and transforming creative ideas into economic assets with added value.

Al-Morshedi affirmed during the speech that innovation, amid the rapid digital transformations and artificial intelligence, is no longer a developmental luxury but a fundamental pillar of sustainable growth, noting the existence of an integrated relationship between innovation, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship that gives the innovator confidence and the investor certainty.

He reviewed the key efforts and visions of the Gulf Patent Office:

• Comprehensive Gulf Intellectual Property Strategy: Formulating a unified Gulf framework that enhances integration among member states and focuses on developing intellectual property, advancing the protection and enforcement system, and enhancing intellectual assets.

• Development of the protection system: Continuing to develop patent services, enhancing examination quality, and building the capabilities of Gulf innovators in cooperation with national offices and international organizations.

• Human-based diversification: Investing in minds and competencies, empowering innovators, and building partnerships between governments, universities, and the private sector to make the GCC countries a regional and global center for innovation and advanced technologies.

On the second day of the conference, whose activities began on July 27, 2026, via Zoom, sessions and interventions continued addressing the themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and economic diversification, with the participation of a new group of experts, officials, and international figures.

Dr. Amira Al-Hassan, Head of Mission of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Kuwait and the Arab Gulf Office – State of Kuwait, participated with a keynote speech at the Seventh Gulf Virtual Conference on Techno Innovation, Techno Entrepreneurship, and Techno Artificial Intelligence, where she emphasized the pivotal role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in reshaping city economies and defining the features of strategic urban development.

She highlighted the importance of benefiting from innovation and entrepreneurship in Gulf cities and the State of Kuwait to transition towards a green, sustainable circular economy and confront growing climate challenges such as rising temperatures, drought, and declining resources. She also stressed that the real challenge lies in the strategic use of artificial intelligence to serve people, manage energy, water, and waste efficiently, improve infrastructure, and integrate all segments of society and people with special needs to ensure the well-being and resilience of future communities.

Ms. Al-Jawhara Bint Turki Al-Otaishan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Sawahil Al-Jazira Media Company and Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneurs Magazine, praised the importance of the conference in her opening speech.

At the beginning of her speech, she also expressed her thanks to Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak for her efforts and the continuity of the conference, expressing her pride in being present with a distinguished group of experts to discuss the future of digital transformation and economic diversification in the Gulf region.

Ms. Al-Jawhara presented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leading experience in the conference’s three themes, noting the Kingdom’s rise to 46th globally in the 2025 Global Innovation Index and Riyadh’s retention of the lead in the growth of the innovation ecosystem, in addition to achieving third place globally in the National Entrepreneurship Context Index and first place in entrepreneurial financing. She also highlighted the Kingdom’s ranking of 14th globally in the Artificial Intelligence Index, affirming that these achievements result from the integration of national sectors, and called for taking advantage of available opportunities to build a comprehensive vision and develop digital infrastructure that ensures economic diversification and sustainable development in the Gulf countries.

His Excellency Dr. Firas Al-Hananda, President of Ajloun National University in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, explained during his participation in the opening of the Seventh Gulf Virtual Conference that innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence have become key pillars for building knowledge economies that are more capable of competitiveness and adaptation, noting that the true value of technology is not measured solely by the sophistication of algorithms, but by their ability to solve real-world challenges, improve quality of life, and support institutional decision-making.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of building an integrated ecosystem that brings together universities, governments, and the private sector to translate scientific research into tangible economic and social impact, stressing that investment in people and preparing academic competencies represent the foundation of any technological transformation. He also called for establishing the principles of governance, transparency, and ethical use of artificial intelligence to protect privacy, considering that Gulf and Arab partnerships and cooperation in research and development are the fundamental pillar for creating an environment supportive of creativity and sustainable development. He extended his thanks to Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak, Ecosystem Management Consulting Company, and those responsible for organizing the conference.

In a related context, Dr. Ashraf Mansour Abdel Aziz, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment in the Arab Republic of Egypt, affirmed during his speech that sustainable development has become fundamentally based on knowledge, innovation, and technology to reach economies that are more capable of competitiveness and sustainability, noting that artificial intelligence has become an essential partner in decision-making, improving resource management efficiency, and strengthening productive sectors.

He explained that the Arab Union works to support scientific research, spread the culture of entrepreneurship, and empower youth as the driving force of the knowledge economy. He also called for strengthening Arab cooperation and exchanging expertise to establish legislative and ethical frameworks that ensure the responsible use of modern technologies, affirming the Union’s full readiness to cooperate with all regional and international bodies and institutions to launch joint initiatives serving people and the environment, and extending his thanks to Conference President Professor Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak and all those responsible for organizing this event.

In an opening speech focused on the human and educational dimension, Dr. Shafe Al-Neyadi, a human development and family relations expert from the United Arab Emirates, referred in his participation, under the title “From Technology Consumers to Opportunity Makers,” to the fact that the real challenge amid rapid technological development does not lie in possessing devices and applications, but in how we think about technology and the purpose of using it, in order to move from mere consumption to creating solutions and value.

Dr. Al-Neyadi affirmed that building an entrepreneurial personality begins within the family as the first environment for developing curiosity and self-confidence among children and training them in critical thinking and transforming problems into opportunities without losing their values and humanity. He also stressed that the future race requires combining the capabilities of artificial intelligence with human skills and ethical leadership, explaining that the real investment for economic diversification is based on preparing promising human capital that possesses awareness and the ability to create opportunities and the future.

Ms. Nour Al-Qattan, Representative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the State of Kuwait, also highlighted in her speech a fundamental dimension showing how artificial intelligence can protect people and contribute to saving lives, affirming that it is not an end in itself, but a tool for enhancing the efficiency of humanitarian response and developing what is known as “anticipatory humanitarian action.”

Ms. Al-Qattan explained that analyzing big data and satellite imagery makes it possible to predict crises before they occur and take early action, thereby protecting lives and providing approximately USD 7 for every dollar invested in preparedness and anticipation. She also stressed the need to adhere to artificial intelligence ethics and transparency, while praising the role of the State of Kuwait as a trusted humanitarian partner in supporting innovation and humanitarian response.

Mr. Salem bin Suwailem bin Salem Al-Hinai, Director of the Middle East Regional Office of the International Organization for Heritage Protection in the Sultanate of Oman, also reviewed the role of modern technology and artificial intelligence in preserving and documenting human heritage to pass it on to future generations, affirming that preserving national identity is inseparable from the journey of innovation and the transition towards a knowledge economy.

Al-Hinai noted during his speech that the conference themes reflect an integrated vision in which innovation is the fuel, entrepreneurship is the means, and artificial intelligence is the tool for building a balanced economy capable of confronting global challenges. He also conveyed the greetings of Professor Dr. Mohammed Joudat, President of the International Organization for Heritage Protection, extending his thanks to Conference President Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak and all those responsible for organizing it for bringing together this distinguished group of expertise to establish the region’s position as a beacon integrating authenticity and modernity.

From the economic perspective, His Excellency MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloom, Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee at the Council of Representatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirmed in his speech that economic diversification in the GCC countries is no longer limited to diversifying traditional sources of income, but has become linked to the ability to build a knowledge-based economy and employ modern technologies and artificial intelligence to transform innovative ideas into projects with added value.

His Excellency the MP explained that the conference themes constitute an integrated system requiring coordinated efforts among governments, legislative authorities, the private sector, and academic institutions to provide a stimulating legislative and regulatory environment and a financing and support system for entrepreneurs, in addition to investing in competencies and digital infrastructure. He also stressed that Gulf cooperation and the exchange of expertise represent a strategic necessity for establishing the position of the region’s countries as a regional center for innovation, extending his thanks to the State of Kuwait and all those responsible for organizing this important development event.

His Excellency Dr. Sharif Tokali, Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the State of Kuwait, also stressed that entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and economic diversification constitute interconnected forces reshaping the features of the economic future, where entrepreneurship transforms ideas into productive projects, artificial intelligence expands their results, and diversification ensures sustainable prosperity and quality employment opportunities.

His Excellency explained that the Programme’s Strategic Plan (2026–2029) places digital transformation, effective governance, and prosperity for all at the forefront of its priorities, noting that diversification requires a comprehensive transformation in economic capabilities through education reform, financing support, and building integrated innovation ecosystems. He also highlighted the importance of the Global Knowledge Index as a tool for formulating public policies and the need to invest in people and develop future skills to empower youth and women, ensuring that the technological gap does not widen and that artificial intelligence is utilized in the service of sustainable development.

His Excellency Waleed Al-Khashti, Chief Executive Officer of Relations and Communications at Zain Kuwait, also affirmed during his participation in the conference that digital transformation, from the perspective of the telecommunications and digital empowerment sector, is based on building an integrated ecosystem that combines digital infrastructure with distinguished human capabilities, an environment that stimulates innovation, and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Al-Khashti explained that “Zain” continues to develop its role as an integrated technology enabler providing advanced solutions in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial technology, affirming that artificial intelligence represents a major driver for improving operational efficiency and empowering people, provided that it is used safely and responsibly. He also stressed that investing in youth skills and empowering entrepreneurs supports the objectives of “Kuwait Vision 2035” to transform innovation into sustainable economic value, extending his thanks to Conference President Dr. Hanadi Al-Mubarak and all those responsible for its success.

The conference concluded its two-day proceedings with a clear affirmation that the transition towards a more diversified and sustainable Gulf and Arab economy is no longer an option, but has become a necessity imposed by rapid economic and technological transformations. The interventions and visions presented by the participants demonstrated that innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence represent an integrated system whose objectives cannot be achieved independently of investment in people, the development of education and scientific research, building digital infrastructure, strengthening governance and protecting data and intellectual property, providing financing for startups, and localizing advanced technologies.

The conference proceedings also reflected the importance of partnership among governments, the private sector, universities, research institutions, and regional and international organizations, as well as strengthening Gulf and Arab cooperation and exchanging expertise, in a manner that contributes to transforming knowledge, ideas, and innovations into economic and development projects with tangible impact, and enhances the ability of the region’s countries to build competitive knowledge economies capable of keeping pace with the future and achieving sustainable development and prosperity for their peoples.