Google Cloud Opens New Offices in Kuwait

Google Cloud has officially opened its new offices in Kuwait, licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). The launch event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Communication Affairs. This expansion underscores Google Cloud’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s national digital transformation goals, including modernizing government services and promoting economic development.

The new Google Cloud offices in Kuwait will serve as a collaboration and innovation hub, bringing together experts from Google Cloud to work closely with local customers and partners. His Excellency Mr. Omar Saud Al-Omar emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the guidance of His Highness the Prime Minister, Kuwait has made great strides towards realizing its National Vision 2035,” said Mr. Al-Omar. “This progress includes driving digital transformation, accelerating our smart economy, and developing crucial infrastructure.”

His Excellency highlighted the critical role of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies in fostering economic growth and national development. The partnership with Google Cloud aims to leverage these technologies to improve the quality of life for Kuwait’s citizens and residents, enhance sustainability, and drive innovation. The collaboration has already led to several successes, with promising employment opportunities for the youth.

In January 2023, Google Cloud announced a national alliance framework agreement with the Kuwaiti government to develop a comprehensive digital transformation program for government entities and state-owned enterprises. This partnership will bring Google Cloud’s cutting-edge technology, data expertise, and AI capabilities to enhance operations and cybersecurity.

Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director of Google Cloud in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, commented on the expansion: “Opening Google Cloud offices in Kuwait is yet another step to meet the demand for our services and expertise in Kuwait to support the New Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to transform the country into a digital society and diversify its economy.”

Shaymaa Alterkait, Country Manager of Google Cloud in Kuwait, added: “At Google Cloud, we believe that technology, when combined with the coordinated efforts of governments, the private sector, and civil society, can drive economic growth and stability for all communities. Our expansion in Kuwait reinforces our dedication to this vision.”

Google Cloud is working within the strategic alliance framework with the government, in cooperation with KDIPA, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), and the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT). Since establishing a presence in Kuwait, Google Cloud has been collaborating with CAIT on a national skilling program to upskill government employees, entrepreneurs, and recent graduates in digital technologies. This program focuses on advanced data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and information security solutions.

A Google-commissioned study by Access Partnership revealed that digital technologies enabled by cloud computing could create a potential economic impact of up to $3.4 trillion per year in major and emerging economies across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe by 2030. In Kuwait, the research identified that fully adopting cloud technologies across sectors could bring an annual economic impact of up to USD 29.8 billion by 2030.

Google Cloud’s new offices in Kuwait mark a significant step towards advancing the country’s digital transformation. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaborating closely with government entities and local partners, Google Cloud aims to enhance economic development, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Kuwait’s citizens.