KUWAIT: Sheikha Ohoud Salem Al Ali Al-Sabah, Alina L. Romanowski, US Ambassador and Riham Al Ayyar seen during the launch of Creative Hub.

KUWAIT: In the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Ohoud Salem Al Ali Al-Sabah, Chairman of VO, Alina L. Romanowski, US Ambassador to Kuwait, and Ms Riham Al Ayyar, CEO of VO, the first Kuwait-based integrated youth platform for incubating young talents, has softly launched its all-inclusive, fully equipped, and high-tech Creative Hub. The studios will officially be inaugurated to welcome Kuwaiti talents on 20 June, 2021.

The US Ambassador's visit to VO's Creative Hub included an exclusive tour of the hub's studios and a meeting between VO's team and the US Embassy's Commercial Officer, Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs, and staff members. "The idea of VO came in light of our strong belief that Kuwait possesses so many hidden talents and gifts that need to be unleashed and given the opportunity to grow. Kuwait is more than capable of positioning itself globally and diversifying its economy through its younger generations. Our country's resources are way beyond oil and gas. Kuwaiti youth are capable, they are full of talents, and can support the renaissance of Kuwait," stated Sheikha Ohoud Al-Sabah.

During their meeting, the US Ambassador praised the efforts of VO and the potential of Kuwaiti youth and stated: "We're excited to hear about VO Studio's new model of inspiring young people and supporting them through the journey of their own creativity," said Ambassador Romanowski. "It's important for countries to create conditions where entrepreneurship and innovation are possible. This is where the creative industries can play a key role," she added.

"As a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, the United States is working to help Kuwait harness its greatest resource - its youth - to meet Kuwait's objectives under Vision 2035. The US Department of State offers many initiatives and exchange programs that can support Kuwait's creative capital. Programs like American Film Showcase and Arts Envoy bring US and Kuwaiti artists, filmmakers, and musicians together for collaborations and trainings that help Kuwait's youth build their skills and gain international exposure for their work," the US Ambassador said.

Discussing the potential opportunities of collaboration between VO and the US Embassy in Kuwait, the CEO of VO, Ms Riham Al Ayyar, explained that VO is unlike any other youth platform. VO is building an upcoming generation that is equipped to go beyond borders and challenge all the constraints of Kuwait's development. "Our goal is to open a gateway of opportunities for Kuwaiti youth through collaborations with local and international entities so we can start exporting our talents to the global market," stressed Ms Al Ayyar.

VO, the integrated youth platform and Kuwait's first talent incubator, was founded in July 2020 as a result of a fruitful collaboration between Sheikha Ohoud Al-Sabah and Riham Al Ayyar aiming to empower local talents and position them in the global market. The platform has already broken the record in supporting multiple Kuwaiti talents, including the production of a song bringing Kuwait talents and prominent celebrities, called 'BRAVO', that crossed above 13 million views on YouTube in a week.

VO provides an academic program for Kuwaiti youth to identify and nurture their talents, an all-inclusive creative hub to empower and express their ideas, and a 'smart' app to promote their creative productions on a seamless, high-tech and efficient digital platform.