KUWAIT: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Nader Al-Jallal reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to actively participate in shaping international policies and standards that promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies, while enhancing global cooperation for a more stable, just and developed future. Delivering a speech on behalf of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Dr Al-Jallal inaugurated the International Summit on Artificial Intelligence Horizons 2025 on Wednesday, organized by the Arab Open University in Kuwait under the theme “Shaping the Future of Sustainability, Education and Smart Innovations.” The two-day summit brings together experts and specialists from Kuwait and abroad.
Dr Al-Jallal described AI as “the language of the new world” and a transformative tool shaping human interaction with science, work and daily life. He emphasized that AI opens broad horizons for advancing education, healthcare, environmental protection and economic development. Highlighting the Arab Open University’s hosting of the summit, he praised its role in promoting knowledge development and modern learning environments in the Arab world, noting Kuwait’s pride in the university’s academic and research contributions and its mission to empower youth for the future.
The minister underscored the vision of Kuwait’s leadership, represented by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, emphasizing the importance of investing in science and technology to serve humanity and sustainable development. He highlighted the need for ethical governance to ensure AI remains a tool for human progress.
Dr Al-Jallal further stressed that investing in young minds and equipping them with AI tools is central to building the future. He called for integrated partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society to foster innovation, knowledge production, and sustainable development. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Arab Open University for hosting the summit and to participating experts for their contributions.
Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr Nader Al-Jalal, delivers his opening speech.- KUNA photos
Dr Mohammed Al-Zakri, President of the Arab Open University in the Arab world
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, Dr Khalid Al-Zamil
Dr Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and Chief Information Officer
AI’s transformative role
Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Open University, highlighted AI’s role as a transformative force reshaping life across sectors. He stressed the importance of establishing clear legislation and policies to ensure AI’s ethical and safe use. Prince Abdulaziz noted AI’s contributions to education through data-driven insights for students and teachers, to healthcare by assisting medical professionals in diagnosis and disease prediction, and to economic growth by enhancing productivity and fostering entrepreneurship.
He emphasized that AI adoption in Arab societies is not merely a technological advancement but a means to empower individuals, improve quality of life and build sustainable knowledge systems. The summit, he noted, serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and government, while encouraging youth participation in innovation through projects and hackathons that leverage AI for societal benefit.
Prince Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership for their support of science, education, innovation and youth empowerment, and praised Dr Al-Jallal for his efforts in integrating education, knowledge, and modern technology within the national development vision. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to open education, technology integration and promoting intellectual growth in the Arab world.
Kuwait’s digital strategy
Dr Khaled Al-Zamil, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Communications and Information Technology, speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar, emphasized that AI is a central pillar for building sustainable, efficient and equitable economies. He stressed the importance of Kuwait and the Arab world actively participating in the global AI transformation.
Dr Al-Zamil highlighted Kuwait’s efforts to build an integrated digital ecosystem in partnership with government agencies, academia and the private sector, positioning the country as a regional hub for AI and technological innovation. He noted that the summit provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among public and private sectors, universities, research centers and startups to develop practical AI solutions that serve education, the economy and society.
Center of Excellence for AI
Dr Muhammad Al-Zakari, President of the Arab Open University in the Arab World, announced the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence at the university, aimed at serving Arab societies and advancing applied research and innovation. He highlighted the university’s mission to transform knowledge into practical capabilities and technology into empowering tools, reinforcing its role as a knowledge incubator and a driver of future innovation. Dr Al-Zakari paid tribute to the university’s founder, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his vision in establishing an open education model and promoting knowledge as a bridge to human dignity and sustainable development.
Summit Activities
The first day of the summit featured keynote speeches, including “Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education” by Dr Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and Chief Information Officer, and “Innovation Without Limits: The Beginning of a Smarter Story” by Dr Khawla Al-Hassan, Head of the Summit Organizing Committee. The event also showcased student innovations and projects. Over the course of two days, the summit will host interactive workshops led by global experts, dialogue sessions with decision-makers and researchers, and a hackathon exploring AI applications, further reinforcing Kuwait’s role in shaping the future of technology, sustainability and education in the Arab world. — KUNA
