The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority of Kuwait has officially designated three sites to establish mega-sized data centers for Google Cloud Kuwait. During a news conference, Fahad Al-Shu’la, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Communication Affairs, highlighted the significance of digital transformation, particularly considering the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
With an unwavering commitment to achieving the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2023, the minister emphasized the government’s determination to foster effective partnerships with international and local technology corporations, companies, startups, and innovative business pioneers.
Dr. Ammar Al-Husseini, the acting director general of the Information Technology Center, emphasized the numerous benefits that the strategic alliance with Google would bring to the Kuwaiti economy, as well as its positive impact on security, human development, and technology.
This collaboration will enable 114 government departments and institutions to leverage clouding services. Dr. Al-Husseini announced the formation of an oversight panel headed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) to oversee the contract with Google, along with an executive committee led by the Minister of Communication to handle the technical aspects of the agreement. Regarding the initial phase of implementing Google Cloud services in Kuwait, Dr. Al-Husseini stated that the government’s focus would be on digitizing services, especially in the healthcare, labour, and education sectors, as well as redesigning the information systems’ infrastructure.
In terms of attracting multinational corporations to the country, Dr. Al-Husseini affirmed the government’s dedication to negotiating similar agreements with prominent foreign companies, recognizing the importance of supporting youth projects through such partnerships.
Mohammad Al-Rashed, a board member of the communication authority, revealed that the planned data facilities would be extensions of Google Cloud zones worldwide, each covering an impressive area of 30,000 square kilometres.
Highlighting the business benefits and potential returns from this venture, Al-Rashed confirmed the establishment of Google Cloud Kuwait as an independent entity, granting it the freedom to engage with both the private and public sectors.
Elie Tabshouri, the Director of Public Business Development at Google Cloud in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, announced the launch of a national skills development initiative in partnership with the Kuwaiti government.
The objective of this program is to train 3,000 public servants, particularly those from higher education institutions, in artificial intelligence and solutions for security issues.
