LISBON: Kuwait showcased its innovative youth talent, ambitious national initiatives, and leading role in driving Arab digital transformation at the second edition of the Arab Technology Forum (Meet Arab Tech), held Monday evening in Lisbon as part of the Web Summit technology conference. Kuwait’s Ambassador to Portugal Hamad Al-Hazim told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait’s participation in this prominent global event reflects a genuine contribution to international dialogue on the future of technology while strengthening the country’s presence and influence in the global digital arena.
Ambassador Al-Hazim noted that Kuwait’s participation builds on its longstanding commitment to supporting innovation and reflects its national vision of technology as a key pillar of economic and social development. He emphasized Kuwait’s efforts to nurture a generation of skilled youth capable of excelling in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and cloud computing.
He added that the Meet Arab Tech forum serves as an ideal platform to enhance cooperation between the Arab and European private sectors and explore new opportunities for joint projects in the fields of technology and AI. Al-Hazim also praised the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Lisbon for its effective coordination, which ensured a strong and unified Arab presence at this international gathering. He highlighted the capacity of Arab nations, particularly Kuwait, to demonstrate their human and institutional potential, positioning them as essential partners in shaping the technological future.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Portugal, Hamad Al-Hazim and former Minister of State for Communications, Youth and National Assembly Affairs, Dawood Marafi take a group photo. – KUNA photos
The Ambassador affirmed the embassy’s commitment to maintaining direct engagement with Kuwaiti private sector representatives, startups, and entrepreneurs attending the Web Summit. He encouraged them to take advantage of the side event to explore avenues for cooperation and investment with European partners. Al-Hazim revealed that the Council of Arab Ambassadors is planning to organize the third edition of the forum in November next year, with expanded Kuwaiti participation, including a dedicated session featuring leading experts and specialists in digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Ambassador Al-Hazim further underlined Kuwait’s pioneering achievements in digital transformation, particularly in e-government services through the “Sahel” application, which enables citizens and residents to complete transactions easily via their smartphones without visiting government offices. He noted that technology and digital innovation represent promising areas of cooperation between Kuwait and Portugal, as both countries share similar visions of advancing digital transformation and building knowledge-based economies.
He pointed out that Portugal is a European leader in fostering innovation and startups, while Kuwait continues to implement its New Kuwait 2035 Vision, which seeks to establish a diversified, technology-driven economy. This shared outlook, he said, creates broad opportunities for cooperation between government entities and the private sectors in both nations.
Former Minister of State for Communications, Youth and National Assembly Affairs Dawood Marafi participated in the forum representing Kuwait’s private sector. In his address as a keynote speaker, Marafi affirmed that “Kuwait is emerging as a leading regional hub for developing and exporting artificial intelligence solutions, thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, modern legislation, and digitally skilled youth aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035.” He explained that Kuwait has in recent years begun channeling real investments toward nurturing digital talent through national skills development programs conducted in partnership with global technology firms, including Google Cloud, Microsoft and Boeing.
These initiatives, he added, align with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the broader Gulf trend of building local capabilities and designing systems rather than merely using applications. The Arab Technology Forum (Meet Arab Tech) is held annually as part of the three-day Web Summit in the Portuguese capital. The event brings together technology leaders, media, government officials, innovators, and investors to highlight the latest global advancements and explore opportunities for future collaboration and partnerships. — KUNA
