ShareKUWAIT: Minister of Education Dr Jalal Al-Tabtabaei inaugurated what he hailed as the world’s second-largest international invention exhibition and the largest in the Middle East. Representing His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, he officially opened the 15th edition of the International Invention Exhibition in the Middle East on Sunday. Held at Al-Raya Hall in the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, the exhibition runs until February 19, featuring 180 inventors from 42 Arab and foreign countries, showcasing 230 innovations across various scientific and technological fields.
Al-Tabtabaei highlighted the event’s remarkable growth since its inception, recalling his time on the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Scientific Club in 2006 and 2007. “The first edition was held in a small tent with just 12 inventors from different countries. Today, it has evolved into a prestigious international platform that highlights innovation at the highest level,” he said.
Talal Jassem Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Scientific Club and Chairman of the exhibition’s Supreme Committee, noted the event’s expanding global reach. He announced that this year’s edition welcomes new participants from Ecuador and Nigeria, marking their debut appearances. Additionally, he underscored the significance of the Arab League’s first-ever participation, represented by five specialized organizations, which adds further value and strengthens the exhibition’s international standing.
Al-Kharafi emphasized the critical role of innovation in driving a knowledge-based economy, stating that empowering innovators and encouraging young minds to create is fundamental to sustainable development and global competitiveness. “The exhibition embodies a firm commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, nurturing creative minds, and establishing a supportive environment for inventions that align with global transformations and shape a future based on knowledge and advanced technology,” Dr Al-Tabtabaei added.
Ali Kazem Al-Jumaa, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Scientific Club, outlined the exhibition’s primary goal of creating investment opportunities for inventors. He explained that the event serves as a platform for innovators to present their ideas to potential investors and research institutions, aiming to transform them into commercially viable projects that contribute to economic growth.
Additionally, the exhibition provides an ideal space for inventors to showcase their innovations to relevant stakeholders for potential development and commercialization. It also encourages Kuwaiti inventors to present their projects both locally and internationally while strengthening collaboration between innovators and government and private institutions to support and advance groundbreaking ideas.
Rehab Ezzeddine, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Economic Relations Department in the Economic Affairs Sector at the General Secretariat of the Arab League, emphasized the importance of international invention exhibitions in fostering innovation and strengthening scientific cooperation between nations. She also announced that the League will be awarding a financial prize to the winning inventors, further highlighting its commitment to supporting groundbreaking ideas and talent.
