logo
Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector

Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector

Kuwait Times17 hours ago

Company joined roundtable hosted by KDIPA and The Business Year
KUWAIT: Zain participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the global media group The Business Year, in collaboration with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). The event brought together senior leaders from the energy and finance sectors, representatives of global corporations, and international partners to explore the future of digital and sustainable energy in Kuwait.
The session featured the participation of KDIPA Director General Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Zain Kuwait's Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Hamad Al-Marzouq, who highlighted Zain's role as a strategic partner in advancing the digital transformation of Kuwait's vital sectors, particularly the energy sector. During the session, Al-Marzouq stated: 'At Zain, we believe that the future of Kuwait's energy sector is rooted in digital innovation, and that our role as a strategic partner goes beyond providing technical solutions. It is about building genuine partnerships that help enhance operational efficiency and deliver long-term sustainability.'
Al-Marzouq highlighted Zain's role in digitally empowering the energy sector.
He added: 'By leveraging our advanced network and expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics, we work closely with leading national energy companies to accelerate digital transformation across various environments, including refineries and large-scale industrial facilities, with a focus on improving safety, enhancing efficiency and supporting environmental objectives.' Al-Marzouq concluded: 'We remain fully committed to supporting the New Kuwait 2035 Vision by empowering vital sectors with advanced technologies and strengthening collaboration across public and private sectors. We are proud to play a role in building a sustainable digital economy that aligns with the nation's aspirations and reinforces Kuwait's position as a regional hub for energy and innovation.'
The roundtable, titled Empowering Energy Transformation, focused on the pivotal role of the energy sector in supporting Kuwait's vision to become a thriving regional business hub, with a strong focus on attracting investment. The session also explored the importance of local and international partnerships, recent discoveries, and emerging technological advancements in shaping the future of the sector, and the role of the oil and gas industry in driving the transition toward a low-carbon economy that supports Kuwait's national sustainability goals.
Zain continues its long-standing partnership with The Business Year, based in London, to support the hosting of such valuable gatherings, as the company strongly believes in the vital role these platforms play in fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas and enabling innovation across various market sectors. Zain also commends the significant efforts of KDIPA in improving Kuwait's business environment, driving economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning Kuwait as an attractive global financial and investment hub. The company reaffirms its commitment to supporting these efforts as a proud representative of the Kuwaiti private sector in contributing to the nation's New Kuwait aspirations.
Hamad Al-Marzouq: 'We continue to empower the nation's vital sectors through technology to help build a sustainable digital economy.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait sees aviation sector as a strategic pillar for future growth: DGCA chief
Kuwait sees aviation sector as a strategic pillar for future growth: DGCA chief

Arab Times

time2 hours ago

  • Arab Times

Kuwait sees aviation sector as a strategic pillar for future growth: DGCA chief

KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Duaij Al-Otaibi, affirmed Saturday that Kuwait considers the civil aviation sector a key pillar in its national development plans, vital to supporting the economy and diversifying sources of income. Speaking at the opening session of the one-day 'Future of Aviation in the State of Kuwait' conference — organized by the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers — Al-Otaibi said the aviation sector plays a strategic role in enhancing Kuwait's regional and global position. He emphasized that the next phase requires a comprehensive effort to develop air transport, improve aviation infrastructure, upgrade the national air fleet, and strengthen logistics services. Achieving this, he added, demands unified national efforts and strategic investment in Kuwait's existing capabilities. 'Kuwait has been blessed with a unique geographical location in the northern Arabian Gulf, serving as a bridge between East and West,' Al-Otaibi said. 'Coupled with our young and capable workforce—many of whom have benefited from high-quality education—the country is well-positioned to grow its aviation sector.' He noted that Kuwait's financial resources, along with the availability of highly qualified national talents, place the country in a strong position to advance its aviation industry and remain competitive with international players in the region. Al-Otaibi also stressed the importance of modernizing the fleet of the national carrier, Kuwait Airways, and acquiring additional aircraft to meet the growing demands of the sector. Expanding the airline's route network, he said, would increase operational efficiency and link Kuwait to new destinations across Asia, the Americas, Africa, and beyond. Highlighting Kuwait's ambitious infrastructure plans, he cited major projects such as the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the new Terminal 2 (T2) at Kuwait International Airport—considered one of the most significant global airport developments—as well as a third runway, a new air traffic control tower, updated navigation and meteorological systems, and enhanced ground services. Al-Otaibi revealed that nearly $5 billion has been invested into infrastructure projects, which necessitates maximizing operational efficiency and expanding global connections. Planned destinations include countries in the East such as Japan, Indonesia, Korea, China, and Australia, as well as in the West including South America, Los Angeles, Florida, and South Africa. 'The development of the air transport industry has become essential,' he said. 'It will play a major role in diversifying income sources and could generate over 30 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), while creating approximately 80,000 job opportunities over the next five years.' Citing industry data, Al-Otaibi said the Gulf region's aviation sector generated $300 billion in revenues in 2024, demonstrating the size of the opportunity available to Kuwait. He stressed that increasing international routes will boost Kuwait's economic activity, tourism, and trade, while also enhancing cargo operations and opening the door to new marketing and logistics opportunities — including the establishment of free trade zones at Kuwait International Airport. In a supporting speech, Captain Muhannad Al-Ayyar, Chairman of the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers, said Kuwait's aviation sector has promising prospects if approached with a comprehensive strategic vision. He underscored the need to expand the number of aircraft operated by Kuwaiti carriers and broaden their destination networks to meet rising demand, especially given the large market share held by foreign airlines. Al-Ayyar reiterated the association's commitment to its national role, supporting education, technical training, and oversight, while offering strategic recommendations for shaping the future of the sector. He emphasized the importance of strengthening national companies, developing strategies that match Kuwait's aspirations, and investing in local talent to enhance the country's leadership in regional aviation. Al-Ayyar added that the association is actively involved in advancing aviation safety standards, education, technical audits, and professional development. It also supports national human resources in managing major aviation projects in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and Kuwait's National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP). The conference reviewed the progress of Terminal 2, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, as well as the completion of a third runway and the modernization of the air traffic control tower—developments that will collectively raise the airport's capacity to over 25 million passengers annually. Also discussed was the recently completed Air Cargo City project by the Civil Aviation Authority. The facility is a central component of Kuwait's strategy to become a regional logistics hub, aligned with the country's long-term "New Kuwait" development vision. The project is expected to revolutionize the cargo sector, especially amid the growing global reliance on e-commerce. The conference served as a platform to examine future challenges and opportunities in aviation, promote cooperation between public institutions and the private sector, and ensure alignment with global best practices in this rapidly evolving field. Established in 1973, the Kuwait Society of Pilots and Aviation Engineers continues to serve its members, protect their professional rights, elevate their skills, and promote aviation culture throughout society.

Kuwait Fund lights up in blue to mark World Refugee Day
Kuwait Fund lights up in blue to mark World Refugee Day

Kuwait Times

time17 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Kuwait Fund lights up in blue to mark World Refugee Day

KFAED, UNIDO ink deal to support fragile states KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) illuminated its headquarters in blue on Thursday in solidarity with refugees worldwide, reaffirming its humanitarian commitment on the occasion of World Refugee Day. The symbolic gesture reflects Kuwait's longstanding support for displaced populations and its call for international solidarity to alleviate their suffering. Acting Director General of KFAED, Waleed Al-Bahar, stressed in a press statement that both the State of Kuwait and the Fund have played a vital role in extending aid to refugees globally, working in collaboration with various UN agencies and international organizations dedicated to refugee and human rights issues. Al-Bahar noted that the Fund maintains strong partnerships with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and UNICEF. It also collaborates with institutions such as the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation in Jordan, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to implement projects aimed at improving the living and health conditions of Syrian, Palestinian, and Rohingya refugees. 'This cooperation stems from our firm belief in the need to secure a dignified life and protect the rights of refugees in a sustainable manner,' he said, highlighting Kuwait's historic humanitarian efforts in supporting vulnerable communities across the globe. Al-Bahar underlined that World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, serves to honor the strength and resilience of displaced individuals forced to flee due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. He reaffirmed KFAED's continued efforts to enhance refugees' living conditions through impactful partnerships with regional and international stakeholders. Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Waleed Al-Bahar, with Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Gretchen Mulller.- KUNA photos KFAED, UNIDO ink deal Separately, on the sidelines of the 4th OPEC Fund Development Forum held in Vienna, KFAED signed a joint coordination framework with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to identify and finance development projects in conflict-affected regions. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Bahar said the agreement marks the first official collaboration between KFAED and UNIDO, aiming to facilitate development efforts in fragile states, including the occupied Palestinian territories, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. 'This memorandum is a starting point for strategic long-term cooperation,' Al-Bahar said, adding that the initiative will leverage UNIDO's technical expertise to deliver sustainable solutions in crisis-hit areas. For his part, UNIDO Director General Gerald Müller underscored the agency's focus on implementing practical, high-impact projects, particularly in Africa and Latin America. He highlighted the importance of strong partnerships to enhance industrial development, food security, and renewable energy deployment in vulnerable regions. 'Our core work centers on implementation,' Müller stated, emphasizing the organization's experience in hydrogen energy, infrastructure networks, and water and energy management. He noted that food security remains a priority area for Arab and African nations, and UNIDO brings substantial technical experience to this sector. The 4th OPEC Fund Development Forum, held under the theme 'Transformation Empowers Our Future,' brought together heads of state, policymakers, experts, and innovators to advance inclusive growth and equitable transformation, with a focus on South-South cooperation.- KUNA

Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector
Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector

Kuwait Times

time17 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Zain drives digital innovation to power the future of Kuwait's energy sector

Company joined roundtable hosted by KDIPA and The Business Year KUWAIT: Zain participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the global media group The Business Year, in collaboration with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). The event brought together senior leaders from the energy and finance sectors, representatives of global corporations, and international partners to explore the future of digital and sustainable energy in Kuwait. The session featured the participation of KDIPA Director General Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Zain Kuwait's Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Hamad Al-Marzouq, who highlighted Zain's role as a strategic partner in advancing the digital transformation of Kuwait's vital sectors, particularly the energy sector. During the session, Al-Marzouq stated: 'At Zain, we believe that the future of Kuwait's energy sector is rooted in digital innovation, and that our role as a strategic partner goes beyond providing technical solutions. It is about building genuine partnerships that help enhance operational efficiency and deliver long-term sustainability.' Al-Marzouq highlighted Zain's role in digitally empowering the energy sector. He added: 'By leveraging our advanced network and expertise in artificial intelligence and data analytics, we work closely with leading national energy companies to accelerate digital transformation across various environments, including refineries and large-scale industrial facilities, with a focus on improving safety, enhancing efficiency and supporting environmental objectives.' Al-Marzouq concluded: 'We remain fully committed to supporting the New Kuwait 2035 Vision by empowering vital sectors with advanced technologies and strengthening collaboration across public and private sectors. We are proud to play a role in building a sustainable digital economy that aligns with the nation's aspirations and reinforces Kuwait's position as a regional hub for energy and innovation.' The roundtable, titled Empowering Energy Transformation, focused on the pivotal role of the energy sector in supporting Kuwait's vision to become a thriving regional business hub, with a strong focus on attracting investment. The session also explored the importance of local and international partnerships, recent discoveries, and emerging technological advancements in shaping the future of the sector, and the role of the oil and gas industry in driving the transition toward a low-carbon economy that supports Kuwait's national sustainability goals. Zain continues its long-standing partnership with The Business Year, based in London, to support the hosting of such valuable gatherings, as the company strongly believes in the vital role these platforms play in fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas and enabling innovation across various market sectors. Zain also commends the significant efforts of KDIPA in improving Kuwait's business environment, driving economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning Kuwait as an attractive global financial and investment hub. The company reaffirms its commitment to supporting these efforts as a proud representative of the Kuwaiti private sector in contributing to the nation's New Kuwait aspirations. Hamad Al-Marzouq: 'We continue to empower the nation's vital sectors through technology to help build a sustainable digital economy.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store