AGP Executive Report

Space Science: Kuwaiti astrophotographer Ali Alobaidly won the 2026 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year title for his detailed image of the Shark Nebula, becoming the first Kuwaiti to take the overall prize. Marine Research: Kuwait’s Dr Turki Al-Saeed was elected vice-chair of UNESCO’s Indian Ocean commission. He proposed joint research voyages aboard KISR’s vessel to study microplastics and strengthen regional cooperation. Drone Defence: Kuwait’s £370 million MARSS contract will cover coastal and airborne threats, combining radar, sonar and optical sensors with command centres, jammers and interceptors. Installation is expected over two years. Smart Mobility: Chery’s LUXEED brand plans to enter Kuwait in the third quarter of 2027, with sales provisionally set to begin in September.

Health Science: Kuwait University and the National Cancer Awareness Campaign held a breast cancer awareness event, highlighting early detection and advances in treatment. Digital Services: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched “Teach Me Islam” through the Sahel app, using government technology to widen access to religious learning. Defence Technology: Kuwait’s talks with the UAE included a visit to EDGE Group to review advanced defence systems; separately, Kuwait’s £370 million MARSS contract will deploy an AI-enabled network of sensors, jammers and interceptors against aerial threats. Applied Research: Kuwait University opened a petroleum services lab with SLB, giving geology students hands-on access to reservoir exploration software and tools. Energy Innovation: A Kuwait-Saudi cooperation deal covers smart grids, energy storage, AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation.

Energy Technology: Kuwait University opened a petroleum services lab with SLB, giving geology students hands-on training in reservoir exploration software and supporting faculty research. Kuwaiti Research: Surgeon Sheikh Dr Salman Al-Sabah ranked first among Kuwait-affiliated researchers in surgery on the 2026 Stanford-Elsevier list of the world’s top 2% of scientists. Digital Infrastructure: A new Saudi-Kuwait energy pact covers smart grids, storage, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and electricity links. Tech and Defence: Kuwait’s £370 million MARSS contract will supply an integrated air-defence system with radars, jammers and interceptors to counter aerial threats. Healthcare Innovation: Kuwait-linked Roots Pharmaceutical and Al-Dhow International secured MENA rights to develop and commercialise Ocugen’s gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa. Consumer Technology: LG named Al Mulla Electronics its authorised Kuwait distributor for products including AI-enabled appliances, displays and commercial cooling systems.

Counter-Drone Technology: Kuwait has signed a £370 million ($489 million) deal for a nationwide defence system using AI-enabled command software, radar, sonar, jammers and interceptors to detect and counter air and sea drones. Smart Energy: A Saudi-Kuwait cooperation deal covers grid links, energy storage, smart grids and collaboration on AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Digital Kuwait: ZainTECH says it is expanding its Kuwait operations and offering cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI services to businesses and government. Science & Education: Five Kuwaiti students are competing in an international physics Olympiad, while a new study examines how winter Shamal winds reshape Gulf waters.

Digital Transformation: ZainTECH has unified three acquired companies under one brand and expanded its regional operations, including in Kuwait, offering cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI services to businesses and government agencies. Counter-Drone Technology: Kuwait has signed a £370 million deal with UK firm MARSS for a nationwide air and coastal defence system using AI-enabled command software, radar, sonar, jammers and interceptors. Energy Innovation: A new Kuwait-Saudi agreement covers smart grids, energy storage, renewables and cooperation in AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. Public-Sector Technology: Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry is expanding GIS use to track projects and infrastructure through a shared database, aiming to improve planning and monitoring. AI in Education: Kuwaiti teachers are exploring classroom uses for AI, while raising concerns about its effects on students’ independent thinking and academic integrity.

Marine Science: A Kuwait University-led study found that winter Shamal winds can mix Gulf waters from the surface to the seabed, while reducing turbulence near the sea floor. Researchers combined measurements near Qarooh Island with computer simulations. Digital Government: Kuwait’s Public Works Ministry is expanding GIS to connect project, contract and infrastructure data, aiming to improve planning, field monitoring and decisions. Energy Technology: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen cooperation in research, innovation and digital transformation, including efforts to develop local expertise and technology. Defence Systems: Kuwait’s £370 million air-defence contract with Britain’s MARSS will integrate radar, jammers and interceptors through an AI-enabled command centre.**

Marine Science: A Kuwait University study found that winter Shamal winds can cool and sink surface water, mixing the Gulf’s shallow waters down to the seabed while weakening turbulence near the bottom. Researchers combined measurements near Qarooh Island with computer simulations. Air-Defence Technology: Kuwait has signed a £370 million contract for a British-built system combining radar, jammers and interceptors with an AI-enabled command platform to detect and respond to aerial threats. Healthcare Innovation: A Kuwait cardiology symposium focused on advances in diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation, including early detection and tailored care to help reduce risks such as stroke and heart failure. Smart Energy: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia agreed to cooperate on renewable energy, grid connections, storage and smart grids, with the partnership also covering digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI.

Energy Technology: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have agreed to expand cooperation on power-grid links, renewable energy, storage and smart grids, with the deal also covering digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI. AI-Enabled Defence: A £370 million British contract will provide Kuwait with an integrated air-defence system combining radar, jammers and interceptors, coordinated by an AI-enabled command centre. Medical Innovation: Kuwaiti heart specialists used a national symposium to discuss new approaches to diagnosing and treating atrial fibrillation. Science Talent: Five Kuwaiti students are competing in an international physics Olympiad in Uzbekistan, representing the country at a global science contest.

Student Science: Five Kuwaiti students are competing in the Ahmad Al-Farghani International Physics Olympiad in Uzbekistan, while Kuwait University hosted a STEM event for about 90 girls to spark interest in science and technology. AI and Digital Policy: Kuwait joined the Global AI Summit in Amsterdam, where discussions covered AI safety, governance and digital sovereignty — including control of computing, data and AI models. Smarter Ports: Shuwaikh Port is set to adopt a cloud-based terminal operating system to coordinate vessel operations, cargo yards and equipment as part of its digital upgrade. Industrial Technology: Gulf Cryo plans to expand carbon dioxide production in Kuwait to 350 tonnes a day by the end of 2026, supporting regional supply and industrial uses.

AI Strategy: Kuwait joined the Global AI Summit in Amsterdam, where leaders discussed AI safety, governance and the infrastructure needed for digital sovereignty. Postal Modernization: The Communications Ministry plans a new postal law and an international review of options to upgrade services, including a possible public-private partnership. Young Scientists: Five Kuwaiti students are competing in an international physics olympiad in Uzbekistan, while a Kuwait University event introduced around 90 girls to science and technology through experiments and interactive activities. Digital Infrastructure: Shuwaikh Port is set to adopt a cloud-based terminal operating system to manage vessel operations, cargo yards and equipment. Industrial Technology: Gulf Cryo plans to expand its Kuwait CO₂ production capacity to 350 tonnes a day as part of a wider GCC supply network. Defence Systems: Kuwait approved a $489 million air-defence deal featuring radar, electronic jamming, interceptor missiles and an AI-enabled command centre.

Port Digitalisation: Shuwaikh Port is adopting a cloud-based terminal system to coordinate vessel operations, cargo yards and equipment, aiming to improve efficiency and supply-chain visibility. STEM Education: Kuwait University welcomed about 90 girls to hands-on science activities, while five Kuwaiti students began competing in an international physics Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Industrial Technology: Gulf Cryo plans to raise its Kuwait liquid CO₂ capacity to 350 tonnes a day by the end of 2026, as the gas gains wider use across Gulf industries. AI Skills: Zain Kuwait and Etlaq are offering managers training in agentic AI. Digital Agriculture: Kuwait has also unveiled a national digital platform for livestock, bringing technology to another key sector.

AI-Enabled Defence: Kuwait agreed to buy a £370 million air-defence system combining radar, jammers and interceptors with an AI command centre to detect and counter drones and missiles. AI Skills: Zain Kuwait and Etlaq will run a masterclass to help business leaders build and deploy AI agents, with sessions scheduled at GUST from November 2 to December 2. Digital Transformation: STC Group and Cloudera will offer data and analytics products through STC Kuwait and STC Bahrain, targeting cybersecurity and connectivity for public and private-sector clients. Kuwaiti Startup: COFE Tech, founded in Kuwait and now serving Gulf businesses with AI-powered procurement tools, has received new investor backing as it prepares for possible growth and a future listing.

Defence Technology: Kuwait is set to buy a £370 million ($489 million) air-defence system featuring jammers, radars, interceptors and an AI-enabled control centre, according to Britain. AI Skills: Zain Kuwait and Etlaq will run an agentic AI programme for business leaders at GUST from November 2 to December 2, with applications open. Digital Infrastructure: Cloudera and stc Group are partnering to offer data, analytics and cybersecurity products to clients in Kuwait and Bahrain. Marine Conservation: Kuwait’s volunteer dive team removed about 250 kilograms of discarded fishing nets from Arifjan reef, freeing trapped marine life and clearing a hazard to coral habitat.

Energy and Sustainability: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s new 2023–2025 sustainability report outlines environmental progress and a target of net-zero emissions by 2050. Digital Transformation: Cloudera and stc Group are joining forces to advance digital services and connected infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain. AI and Cybersecurity: Zain Kuwait is supporting regional dialogue on AI governance and cybersecurity. Local Tech Capacity: Kuwait has unveiled a national digital livestock platform, while CITRA has highlighted efforts to manufacture fibre-optic cables locally.

Digital Transformation: Cloudera and stc Group are joining forces to advance data, AI, IoT and cybersecurity solutions in Kuwait and Bahrain, with stc Kuwait helping deliver the work. Maritime Technology: Kuwaiti teams joined Türkiye’s Nusret-2026 exercise, where defense firms demonstrated underwater vehicles, sonar and unmanned systems for mine countermeasures. Water Security: KFAS brought officials and international partners together to discuss resilient water infrastructure and regional links ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. AI and Cybersecurity: Zain Kuwait supported a GCC forum on AI governance and cybersecurity, keeping regional oversight and digital safety on the agenda. Digital Agriculture: Kuwait unveiled a national digital livestock platform, applying technology to the country’s livestock sector.

Water Security: KFAS convened ministers and international partners for a dialogue on resilient water supplies, with Kuwait’s electricity and water minister calling for stronger regional links and joint technical projects. Industrial Technology: Kuwait backed closer GCC industrial cooperation, including digital upgrades for factories and work on the Gulf Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI and Cybersecurity: Zain Kuwait supported a regional forum covering AI governance, cybersecurity, large language models and practical training for emerging talent. Kuwait also co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council’s first AI-focused resolution. AI Infrastructure: Samsung and five affiliates pledged $1 billion to data-center firm Helix, whose founding investors include Kuwait Investment Authority and Nvidia.