By Ghadeer Ghloum
KUWAIT: Under the patronage of Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Communications Fahad Al Shula, the 10th eGovernment Forum on "The Future of Cloud Computing in Kuwait” was organized on Oct 22, 2023, under the sponsorship of Zain and the management of the Kuwaiti Federation of Engineering Offices and Consultant Houses.
During the opening ceremony, Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Dr Ammar Hassan Al Husseini spoke on behalf of Shula. He started by greeting all the attendees, especially guests from outside Kuwait, wishing success for everyone in their endeavors. He also emphasized that the Kuwaiti government prioritizes the development of smart electronic services through its digital transformation strategy, adding information and communication technology occupy an important space in the Kuwaiti government program for the years 2023 to 2027.
The program includes several initiatives, such as launching the comprehensive national digital transformation project, establishing a company to manage fixed communication networks, issuing a comprehensive directory for all services provided by government entities, gradually digitizing 90 percent of government services, launching a central project to collect government data in unified templates, issuing a unified general framework for electronic government services and offering them on integrated platforms to provide comprehensive service, and establishing a technical unit dedicated to digital transformation in the government.
Moreover, Husseini said their ambition is great in advancing Kuwait towards an advanced stage of digital transformation that aligns with their aspirations for sustainable growth and an advanced society that benefits from the capabilities and technologies of cloud computing, as well as modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality. It can be employed in all sectors including education, health, finance, business, commerce, communication and transportation.
He also emphasized that they look forward to the efforts and projects of transformation towards cloud computing in Kuwait, led by the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority in collaboration with information centers in other government entities in achieving those aspirations. Husseini thanked the organizers of the forum for supporting the plans and efforts for digital transformation, sustainable growth and achieving the prosperity of Kuwait under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah.
Additionally, Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Communications and Relations Officer Waleed Al Khashti said: "Kuwait has rapidly entered the era of cloud computing, and the government of Kuwait has been at the forefront in realizing its benefits and investing in cloud infrastructure. The cloud market is still considered advanced, so we need platforms and initiatives like this to exchange experiences, understand market needs and learn how to leverage the opportunities presented by these modern technologies.
We are keen to contribute to the training and qualification of national competencies capable of enhancing the efficiency of the country’s digital security system, preparing for cyberthreats, forming teams, and implementing measures to protect the digital system for the success of this digital transformation. This is what we strive to achieve in our society.”