KUWAIT: Zain Kuwait has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Arab Open University – Kuwait (AOU) with the aim of establishing a general framework for partnership between the two sides in the areas of youth support and empowerment, education, innovation, corporate social responsibility, and employment. This collaboration will help empower national youth talent and reinforce the role of education in building a knowledge-based digital economy in Kuwait.
The MoU was inked at the Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC) at the company’s HQ in Shuwaikh, joined by Zain Kuwait CEO Nawaf Al-Gharabally and Arab Open University Rector Dr Salah Al-Hammadi, along with senior officials from both parties. This step underlines Zain’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with national academic institutions, and to aligning higher education outputs with labor market needs, especially in the technology sector.
Commenting on the partnership, Nawaf Al-Gharabally said: “At Zain, we believe that real investment starts with people, and that building a thriving digital economy requires an integrated ecosystem that connects the private sector and national academic institutions. Our partnership with AOU represents a new step in this direction, as we work together to create an educational and training environment capable of empowering our youth with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently and competently pursue careers in technology, telecom, and innovation.”
Al-Gharabally and Al-Hammadi with officials from Zain and AOU.
Al-Gharabally added: “Through this collaboration, we aspire to redouble our efforts to create opportunities for students and graduates, whether through practical training, joint innovation projects, or recruitment programs that attract national talent. This partnership will further strengthen our role as an active partner in supporting education and empowering youth, and it is fully aligned with our aspirations to contribute to achieving Kuwait’s vision for a diversified, knowledge and innovation-based economy.”
Arab Open University Rector Dr Salah Saleh Al-Hammadi, affirmed that “the signing of this cooperation agreement with Zain marks a pivotal milestone in the University’s journey to broaden the scope of innovation and enhance the research ecosystem.” He explained that “the partnership with Zain, as one of the leading national companies in the telecom and technology sector, will open broad horizons for students and researchers to benefit from advanced practical expertise, high-quality training programs, and joint initiatives that amplify the University’s impact in serving the community.” Al-Hammadi added that “the agreement reflects AOU’s vision to build strategic alliances with leading institutions, contributing to equipping the next generation with future-ready skills, supporting digital transformation, and creating tangible impact on national development.”
He also stressed that “this step comes as part of the Arab Open University’s commitment to building a flexible learning environment that keeps pace with global developments, noting that cooperation with Zain will help bridge academic knowledge with practical applications and support the development of innovative technological solutions that address real challenges facing society and vital sectors. This will enhance the University’s role in preparing graduates who are capable of competing and excelling.” Through this collaboration, the two parties will join forces in academic and training support by organizing joint workshops and training courses for university students and Zain employees, and by hosting students at Zain’s HQ as part of field training and cooperative education programs.
The MoU will also provide opportunities for Zain experts to participate as lecturers and speakers in academic programs and events organized by AOU. The areas of cooperation further include working on joint innovation projects in advanced technology fields such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, smart cities, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship. These efforts will support Zain’s digital transformation strategy and help create an enabling environment for research and practical application for students and graduates.
The MoU places corporate social responsibility and sustainability at the heart of this partnership through joint national and community initiatives such as national celebrations and awareness campaigns, as well as initiatives related to clean energy and environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of youth and women in technology. This aligns with Zain’s sustainability priorities and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The MoU also covers cooperation in employment and national talent acquisition by organizing career fairs and exploring opportunities to recruit outstanding graduates from the Arab Open University across Zain’s operational and digital sectors.
