AGP Executive Report

Kuwait Tech & AI in Schools: Zain Kuwait keeps expanding “Kuwait Codes” with CODED Academy, bringing students to its HQ for hands-on sessions on media, AI, and responsible use, plus a cybersecurity focus. Digital Health: Kuwait’s MoH rolled out digital vaccination reminders via Sahel and the Salem app, sending alerts 48 hours before appointments, and also recognized midwifery as a medical profession to strengthen maternal and child care. Wearable Health Innovation: Qatar University unveiled GlucoWatch, an AI wearable that estimates blood glucose without finger pricks, using physiological signals like heart rate and blood pressure, with a published US patent application. Education Partnerships: Kuwait signed an agreement with UNESCO’s education quality center to boost learning quality under Kuwait Vision 2035, while the Universities Council advanced MD program curricula and new academic cooperation MoUs. Local Telecom & Finance: stc reported KD 168.9m revenue for H1 2026, and NBK highlighted new digital services including an ITM in London and digital safety deposit boxes in Kuwait. Energy & Industry Deals: Kuwait signed a $16bn pipeline infrastructure partnership involving KPC and investors Brookfield, Blackstone, and KKR, while Halliburton landed a Kuwait Oil Company R&D center deal for AI-driven field lifecycle support. Regional Tech-Security Context: The US-Saudi nuclear deal debate and the wider US-Iran conflict continue to raise regional security and technology-risk concerns, including fears of a nuclear arms race.

Kuwait–Pakistan Defense Pact: Kuwait has ratified a five-year defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, approved via Decree-Law No. 73/2026 and published in the official gazette, covering military training, education, intelligence sharing, logistics, defense technology, scientific research, and a joint military committee—plus strict rules to protect confidential information. Energy & Security Tech: Kuwait Oil Company awarded Halliburton a multiyear deal to support the Ahmadi Innovation Valley, with an R&D center focused on applied research and digital, AI-driven solutions for upstream challenges. Healthcare Innovation: Al-Adan Hospital treated a rare bile duct obstruction case using advanced therapeutic endoscopy, highlighting growing local specialization. Sustainability & Finance: Mnakh Sustainability Index 2025 ranked Zain, KFH, and NBK at AA, while others earned A ratings as sustainability reporting compliance rose sharply across Boursa Kuwait. Coastal Climate Action: Kuwait’s EPA and local groups pushed mangrove restoration to strengthen coastal ecosystems and climate resilience. Regional Tech/Infrastructure: A Chinese firm signed a contract for Kuwait’s North Kabd wastewater treatment plant, aiming to boost collection, treatment, and reclaimed water reuse. Geopolitics Watch: With US-Iran strikes paused, oil and markets swung on easing tensions, but defense planners warn interceptor supplies remain a key constraint.

Kuwait–Pakistan Defense Ties: Kuwait ratified a wide-ranging defense cooperation pact with Pakistan via Decree-Law No. 73/2026, setting up collaboration on training, education, logistics, intelligence sharing, military tech, and scientific research under a joint committee. Education Policy: Kuwait approved a unified Teachers’ ‘Code of Conduct’ for public and private schools, aiming to standardize ethics, accountability, and a safer learning environment. Science & Youth: Kuwait University hosted about 100 high school students for KFAS’s ‘Generation of Science’ program, with lab tours and hands-on workshops across science and engineering. Coastal Climate Work: Kuwait’s EPA and the Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences pushed mangrove restoration and cultivation as a climate-resilience move, including lab germination and national planting goals. Sustainability Rankings: Mnakh Sustainability Index 2025 named Zain, KFH, and NBK top performers on Boursa Kuwait, noting full Premier Market sustainability reporting compliance. Banking Results: KIB Group reported H1 2026 net profit of KD 17.5m, up 18%, as assets and financing portfolios grew. Security Spotlight: Kuwait’s MoI honored NBK’s anti-financial crime chief for security cooperation. Energy Shock Watch: Oil markets braced as Hormuz and Red Sea risks deepened, with shipping disruptions and higher crude volatility feeding into regional and global prices.

Kuwait–Pakistan Defense Pact: Kuwait has ratified a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan via decree-law, setting up joint military training, logistics, personnel exchanges, and cooperation in scientific/technological and military intelligence fields, with a joint committee to oversee annual plans and strict rules to protect classified information. AI Data Center Expansion: NAVER, NVIDIA and Brookfield are scaling NAVER’s NVIDIA DSX AI factory in South Korea from 55MW to 200MW by 2028 in a $10B deal, positioning Korea as a major AI infrastructure hub. Water Scarcity Reality Check: A new ranking highlights Kuwait at the bottom globally for renewable internal freshwater per person, underscoring how desalination and imports shape national water security. Digital Government Push: Kuwait’s Sahel unified government app gets a boost through an MoU with stc’s E-Portal subsidiary to expand digital services and streamline citizen journeys. Sustainable Industry Win: KFAS says Kuwait’s Soof Wool Mill won a 2026 MENA Innovative Energy Project Award for energy efficiency and sustainability, built on KISR research into processing local Naeemi wool. UNESCO Heritage Role: KISR researcher Dr. Sarah Al-Ateeqi joins Kuwait’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee delegation in Busan to support natural heritage evaluations and conservation decisions. Regional Security Tech Angle: Iran–Ukraine tensions flare after an alleged Caspian Sea vessel attack, adding another potential maritime flashpoint as the wider Iran conflict spills into new routes.

UNESCO & Heritage: Kuwait’s KISR researcher Dr Sarah Al-Ateeqi joined the Kuwait delegation at UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan, helping review natural heritage nominations and conservation policies. Family Protection Program: Kuwait launched its national Family Protection Program with 86 initiatives across 13 government entities, stressing measurable implementation and cross-ministry coordination to strengthen social stability. Digital Government: Kuwait’s communications ministry and stc subsidiary E-Portal signed an MoU to expand digital services via the Sahel unified government app, with more integrated user journeys planned. Health Tech Trend: Fitness wearables are surging in Kuwait, with WHOOP drawing attention for its recovery/sleep focus and subscription pricing. Sustainable Industry: KFAS said the Soof Wool Mill won a 2026 MENA Innovative Energy Project Award, backed by KISR research turning local Naeemi wool into a sustainable factory model. Energy Infrastructure Deal: KPC’s KOC signed a $16B lease-and-leaseback for its 13-pipeline crude network with Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR, generating about $7.85B upfront while keeping operational control. ESG Finance: Burgan Bank retained inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series after FTSE Russell’s June 2026 review.

Kuwait Energy Deal: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), a KPC unit, signed a $16B lease-and-leaseback for its full crude pipeline network, with a JV backed by Blackstone, KKR and Brookfield taking 49% while KOC keeps 51% and operational control; the deal covers 13 pipelines (~320 km) and is set to bring $7.85B upfront to fund KPC capex. Gulf Education & AI: A GCC education meeting highlighted the need to prepare schools for future shifts, including AI-driven learning and tech-enabled skills for national development. US-Iran Tensions in Kuwait’s Orbit: Iran said it hit US military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait in retaliation, while Iran’s Guards also claimed an Amazon data centre strike in Bahrain; the US meanwhile kept weighing whether to escalate. Drone Tech in the Region: The US reportedly achieved its first combat interception using the Merops drone system, tested in Ukraine, to down a Shahed-type target in Kuwait. Regional Security Ripple: Houthis claimed a missile attack on Saudi Arabia as Trump weighed further Iran strikes, widening pressure on Red Sea and Hormuz shipping. Local Culture Diplomacy: Kuwait’s NCCAL reaffirmed support for UNESCO heritage protection during the World Heritage Committee session in Busan. Tech Policy Watch: Trump said the US will investigate EU trade practices after EU fines tied to digital antitrust, including a Google penalty.

Middle East Security: Iran says it carried out drone and missile attacks on US assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait in retaliation for renewed US strikes, while Iran’s IRGC also claimed it hit an Amazon data centre in Bahrain—claims not independently confirmed; Bahrain reported interceptions and sirens, and Kuwait faced renewed concern as critical infrastructure and bases remain in the crosshairs. Regional Energy & Shipping: The Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes stay under pressure as tanker traffic slows and oil prices swing with each escalation, raising the stakes for Gulf energy reliability. Local Tech & Education: Zain Kuwait backs Kuwait University’s Capstone Programme, giving students real-world challenges across AI, IoT, digital security and accessibility. Kuwait Culture & Heritage: NCCAL reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for UNESCO heritage protection at the World Heritage Committee session in Busan. Defense Manufacturing (Ukraine): Ukraine and Raytheon agreed on joint Patriot missile production to ease interceptor shortages amid ongoing Russian strikes. Business/Regulation: Trump says the US will investigate EU trade practices after EU fines Google, Apple and others over digital antitrust rules.

Middle East Escalation: The US and Iran kept trading strikes for a 13th night as Trump weighs a “massive attack,” while Iran claims drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan and even targets an Amazon data centre in Bahrain. Shipping & Energy Shock: Houthis struck Saudi tankers near Bab al-Mandeb, pushing Brent back above $100 and raising fears of a wider chokepoint squeeze. Kuwait Under the Tech-Infra Lens: Analysts point to Iran’s focus on Kuwait’s power and desalination systems—90% of drinking water comes from desalination—warning a single hit can disrupt both water and electricity. Local Tech & Education: Zain partners with Kuwait University’s Capstone Programme, giving students real AI, IoT, cyber and accessibility challenges. Workforce Data: New Kuwait labour figures show the public-private employment divide barely budged, with Kuwaitis dominating government roles and expatriates still running most private-sector jobs. Energy Services Watch: SLB posted Q2 results as it positions for AI data-centre demand and post-Hormuz oil activity.

Kuwait Tech & Society: Kuwait’s public-private jobs gap stays stubborn: new PACI figures show the public sector employs 80.1% of Kuwaitis, while the private sector is still dominated by expatriates (96.4%), pointing to a productivity and incentives problem more than a labor shortage. Water & Security Tech: With Iran again hitting power and desalination assets, Kuwait’s water security is under pressure because 90% of drinking water comes from seawater desalination and many plants co-produce power and water. Cybersecurity: A fake “BH Alert” Android app is spreading a RAT that can steal PINs, OTPs, SMS, and banking credentials by spoofing Bahrain civil defense emergency downloads. Education & AI: Zain Kuwait backs Kuwait University’s Capstone Program, helping students build AI/IoT and digital security prototypes for real business challenges. Humanitarian Tech: IICO delivered Braille Quran reading devices to visually impaired beneficiaries under its “Insight and Hope” project. Regional Tech-Driven Risk: The Red Sea crisis deepened after Houthis struck Saudi tankers, pushing Brent above $100 and raising fears of a second shipping chokepoint beyond Hormuz.

Kuwait & Gulf Security: Kuwait’s UN envoy condemned Iran’s attacks on vital infrastructure, warning they endanger civilians and violate international law, as the wider US-Iran conflict keeps spilling into the region. Red Sea Energy Shock: Houthis claimed they struck two Saudi oil tankers near Bab el-Mandeb, raising fears of a second shipping chokepoint alongside Strait of Hormuz disruptions; oil jumped toward/above $100 and tankers reportedly rerouted. US-Iran Escalation Tech: Iran-linked reporting says precision strikes targeted US radar and air-defense systems across Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Oman, while US officials and analysts debate how advanced drone and targeting support is evolving. Nuclear Power Politics: A US-Saudi nuclear cooperation deal drew alarm in Israel, with Trump later adding that approval hinges on Saudi normalizing ties with Israel—turning a civil energy project into a major geopolitical test. Local Energy Cooperation: Kuwait’s electricity, water and renewables ministry met Canada’s ambassador to discuss energy-efficiency and advanced tech partnerships. Cyber/Info Controls: Gulf states’ wartime “false information” rules are expanding, with Kuwait and Bahrain tightening digital expression around security concerns.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump vowed to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every Hormuz shipping attack, as the US hit Iran’s Larak Island and CENTCOM launched a 12th night of strikes, while Iran warned it could expand targeting allies. Red Sea Energy Disruption: Houthis threatened Saudi crude routes and claimed attacks on Saudi tankers near Bab al-Mandeb, forcing multiple vessels to reroute and pushing Brent above $95. Kuwait Under Pressure: Kuwait condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states and said Iran hit power and water plants, while Kuwaiti air defences intercepted Iranian drone threats. Local Energy Cooperation: Kuwait’s electricity, water and renewables minister met Canada’s ambassador to boost expertise in efficiency and advanced technologies. Cybersecurity in the Gulf: A fake emergency-alert Android app (“BH Alert”) was linked to Android surveillance malware, spreading via cloned app stores during air-defense alerts. Immigration & Tech-Enabled Crime: Arab immigration chiefs met in Tunis to tackle trafficking and illegal migration, warning criminals increasingly use AI and pushing for a unified database on document forgery. GCC Identity Campaign: GCCJPPI launched “Our Gulf Flourishes,” using modern tech to produce a musical media campaign for Gulf families. Aviation Luxury Note: Emirates’ enclosed first-class suites appear on only 9 aircraft, highlighting how premium privacy is limited by route economics.

US-Iran Escalation: Trump vowed the US will “destroy ONE bridge or power plant” for each Hormuz attack, as strikes hit Iran for an 11th straight night and the Pentagon put the war’s cost at $37.5bn. Kuwait in the Crosshairs: Iran’s foreign ministry accused Kuwait of hosting US infrastructure used against Iran, while Kuwait reported damage to power and water desalination plants amid the wider attacks. Nuclear Claims Clash: Iran denied any nuclear activity at “Pickaxe Mountain,” rejecting US threats to strike the site. Regional Energy Shock: Oil jumped above $95 as Hormuz and Red Sea risks mount; tankers carrying Saudi crude reportedly reversed course after Houthi blockade threats, raising fears for shipping and prices. Cyber Resilience in Kuwait: Cohesity and ZainTECH teamed up across the Gulf (including Kuwait) to offer AI-powered managed cyber protection with immutable backup and ransomware defense. Local Tech/Industry: Fluor was selected for FEED on GPIC’s Bahrain aromatics project, supporting plastics feedstock production. AI Governance Watch: A Qatar-led report highlights “AI literacy” as a workforce strategy for GCC compliance, including Kuwait.

Kuwait Emergency Response: Zain Group pledged $10 million to the Kuwait Emergency Response Fund, backing national preparedness as regional tensions strain infrastructure and essential services. Gulf Security & Critical Infrastructure: Iran-U.S. exchanges intensified across the region, with Kuwait reporting intercepted drones/missiles and damage to power and water facilities; Bahrain also sounded sirens again amid strikes. Red Sea Shipping Shock: Houthis threatened a naval blockade on Saudi ports, prompting Saudi crude tankers to reverse course and raising new risks for the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz energy routes. Cyber & Public Safety Scams: Bahrain warned residents about a fake emergency alert app (“BH Alert”) that mimics official civil defence and can steal credentials. Mental Health After Sirens: Kuwait experts say “hypervigilance” after air-raid alerts can make people repeatedly mishear sounds as sirens, a stress-linked response. Energy Market Ripple: Halliburton shares slid after a cautious forecast, citing uncertainty over Middle East recovery pace. Tech Under Fire: Iran claimed it hit Amazon’s Bahrain data infrastructure, adding to fears for regional digital resilience.

Gulf Security Shock: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes across Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran claiming attacks on US-linked infrastructure and a tanker hit forcing crews to abandon ship as Houthis move to blockade Saudi routes—pushing oil back above $90 and raising risks for shipping and regional utilities. Kuwait Impact: Reports say Iranian attacks targeted Kuwait’s energy and desalination assets, underlining how water and power systems are becoming direct conflict targets. AI & Skills Push: Saudi Arabia is embedding AI literacy into its national strategy, framing workforce upskilling as a governance-ready path for Vision 2030—while the GCC is also watching AI governance frameworks. Healthcare Leadership: Novo Nordisk named Venkat Kalyan as General Manager for GCC operations, covering Kuwait among other markets, to expand chronic-disease partnerships and innovation. Oman Food Tech: Oman’s honey output hit a record 934,443 kg in 2025, with beekeeping and research infrastructure expanding. Crypto Power Crackdown: Malaysia seized 75,000 mining rigs in raids tied to electricity theft, highlighting the “grid war” behind energy-hungry tech.

Kuwait Energy Upgrade: Kuwait’s Ministry of Oil is pushing ahead with the Q8 fuel station project, aiming to modernize local stations with digital services and tech-enabled upgrades to meet international standards. Regional Infrastructure Under Fire: Kuwait’s critical facilities have been targeted amid renewed US-Iran strikes, with the Arab Parliament condemning the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to sovereignty. Gulf Water Security: A reported strike on Kuwait’s desalination and power infrastructure is raising fresh alarms about summer electricity demand and water supply resilience. Kuwait Research in Global Health: A Kuwait University researcher helped publish a major Diabetes Care study linking higher dietary fiber intake to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Health & Education Cooperation: Kuwait’s Health and Higher Education ministries met Arabian Gulf University officials to expand medical training, research, and GCC academic partnerships. AI Governance Benchmark: A Coursera report ranks the UAE among the Gulf’s most advanced AI governance environments, while Kuwait is described as still in earlier stages. Markets Watch: Oil prices stay volatile above $90 as US-Iran tensions and shipping disruption fears ripple into global stocks, with chipmakers and AI-linked names driving short-term swings.

Kuwait Energy Modernization: Kuwait’s Oil Ministry backed the Q8 fuel-station conversion, saying the upgrade will modernize services with digital tools and unified standards while keeping Kuwait’s identity. Gulf Security & Infrastructure Risk: Iran-linked attacks and US-Iran retaliation kept Kuwait in the headlines, with reports of strikes hitting Kuwait’s power/desalination assets and air defenses intercepting drones—raising fresh concerns for summer electricity and water reliability. Oil Shock for the Region: Brent pushed above $90 as Hormuz tensions flared again, feeding inflation worries and market volatility across Europe and Asia. Payments Innovation: QIIB teamed up with Visa to boost digital payments growth, focusing on data-led portfolio management, targeted campaigns, and improved card engagement across Kuwait and the region. Tech & Industry Moves: Eaton opened a European aerospace additive manufacturing center in the UK, while i-charging and SOLUM began commercial deliveries of a high-power MAX EV charging platform. Legal/Services Tech: Kuwait also appears in a wider Supreme Court dispute over outsourcing consular, passport and visa services, with courts ordering fresh tender steps while allowing temporary continuity.