AGP Executive Report

Digital Banking Awards: Kuwait’s Weyay Bank and NBK keep stacking tech-led finance wins, with Weyay taking social/community banking and precision credit awards, while NBK grabbed 17 World’s Best Digital Bank Awards for its online payments, security, UX, and transformation push. Education & Talent: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education launched the 2026-2027 Gifted Schools Project, using its “Mawhoob” platform to nominate students and build dedicated schools for boys and girls. Humanitarian Outreach: Kuwaiti aid efforts highlighted a shift toward longer-term partnerships, with projects spanning Malaysia, Uganda, and support for Sudanese refugees. Oil Investment Deal: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation signed the USD 16bn Shaheen Project sale-and-leaseback for crude oil pipelines, aiming to monetize assets and fund capacity growth. AI + Healthcare in Kuwait: Kuwait is moving to expand stem cell and gene therapy capacity, including new pediatric units and MoH guidance for AI use in healthcare. Climate & Water Pressure: Coverage warns extreme heat is reshaping Gulf development priorities, stressing water and energy infrastructure resilience. Energy Tech Abroad with Kuwait links: Silverwell’s DIAL intelligent gas-lift tech won a major Middle East contract, targeting remote valve optimization to cut costly interventions. Security Flashpoint: Iran and the US traded sharp claims over the Strait of Hormuz, with Kuwait and regional partners condemning tanker attacks and oil markets reacting.

Kuwait Health Tech: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has set up two pediatric units for stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, cell therapy and advanced treatments at Kuwait National Bank Specialized Children’s Hospital, aiming for equal access and independent operations. Medical Accreditation: The Jaber Center for Diabetic Foot Surgery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital received Level IV international accreditation from SOMMIM, with 520+ patients treated since 2023 and 10,500+ hyperbaric sessions. Energy & Oil Tech: Silverwell won a multi-million, multi-well Middle East contract to deploy its Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift (DIAL) system, enabling remote gas-lift optimization using downhole sensors. Solar Cooling Breakthrough: KIT researchers unveiled a hybrid solar setup that combines photovoltaics with passive daytime radiative cooling, reporting cooling up to 6.5°C below ambient. Digital Transformation in Kuwait: The Central Agency for Information Technology and the Council of Private Universities signed a cooperation deal to boost digital transformation and improve services. Finance & Space: GFH reported a 13.33% jump in H1 2026 net profit to US$76.20m and said it gained positive exposure to SpaceX via a structured transaction. AI in Healthcare: Vuno’s first-half revenue fell 28% as DeepCARS adoption slowed during a regulatory review, with expansion plans for Q4. Tech & Youth: talabat hosted its Next Tech Gen session in Kuwait with AIESEC, bringing tech leaders to share practical insights on AI, product, data and digital platforms. Environment Data Push: Ahmadi Governorate launched “Sustainable Conservation” with KOC and EPA partners, focusing on governorate-level carbon footprint reporting and better environmental data.

Kuwait Health: The Ministry of Health has set up two independent units for pediatric stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, cell therapy and advanced treatments at Kuwait National Bank Specialized Children’s Hospital, aiming for equal access and no monopolizing of cases. Kuwait Medical Accreditation: Jaber Center for Diabetic Foot Surgery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital received Level IV international accreditation from SOMMIM after treating 520+ patients and delivering 10,500+ hyperbaric sessions since 2023. Kuwait Energy Tech: Kuwait Oil Company signed a multi-year technology collaboration with Baker Hughes for Ahmadi Innovation Valley, focusing on scalable digital and AI automation to improve recovery, cut costs, reduce water production and power use. Kuwait Digital Transformation: The Central Agency for Information Technology and the Council of Private Universities signed a deal to boost joint work and services for Kuwait’s digital transformation. Kuwait Aviation Commercials: Kuwait International Airport tenders worth about KD 7.006 million were cleared for leasing terminal facilities, plus bids for upgrading a desalination plant lab lab equipment. Global Climate Risk: A new report highlights which countries face the worst extreme heat outlook, with Pakistan singled out for severe heat-and-humidity exposure. Space Science in Kuwait: A Kuwaiti-Spanish team captured the total solar eclipse for scientific observation and public outreach. Wildlife Research: Camera-trap work documented sand cats in Qatar, adding rare distribution data for the elusive desert feline.

Pediatric biotech push: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has set up two independent pediatric units for stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, cell therapy and advanced treatments at Kuwait National Bank Specialized Children’s Hospital, aiming for equal access and no monopolizing of cases. Hyperbaric care upgrade: The Jaber Center for Diabetic Foot Surgery and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital received Level IV international accreditation from SOMMIM after a full review of services, equipment and safety. Oil tech collaboration: Kuwait Oil Company signed a multi-year technology collaboration with Baker Hughes for the Ahmadi Innovation Valley, focusing on digital and AI automation to improve recovery, cut costs and reduce water and power use. Digital transformation deal: Kuwait’s Council of Private Universities and the Central Agency for Information Technology signed an agreement to expand joint work and speed up digital transformation across services. Aviation tenders: Kuwait International Airport cleared seven tenders worth KD 7.006 million for terminal commercial leasing, while bids for lab equipment at Shuwaikh desalination facilities are also moving forward. Cybersecurity awareness: NBK ran a youth-focused fraud awareness event on Umm Al-Maradim Island, tied to the Central Bank’s “Let’s Be Aware” campaign. Regional tech trend: Reuters reports China’s e-truck exports to Asia have surged since the Iran war, as diesel prices rise and electrification accelerates.

Kuwait Security Update: Kuwait says it disrupted an alleged ISIS-linked drone-and-explosives plot targeting a vital facility, arresting a Kuwaiti suspect before any damage occurred, highlighting how readily available drone tech is reshaping threat planning. Local Governance & Public Services: The Ministry of Interior urged continued upgrades to security and service operations, focusing on coordination, readiness, and efficiency for citizens and residents. Justice & Education Tech: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry formed a committee to hire Junior Legal Researchers, with electronic written exams graded automatically to boost transparency and protect exam integrity. Education Reform: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education met the OECD to review progress on a technical assistance project covering curriculum strategy, math/science/English framework comparisons, and a new teacher licensing exam system. Regional Tech & Identity: Egypt’s fintech sandbox moved into live testing, including remote vehicle inspection for insurance claims and digital identity verification using electronic passports via NFC. Maritime Tech & Security: Kuwait-backed calls for stronger Arab airport and border security stressed modern tech use and faster information sharing to tackle smuggling, trafficking, and illegal immigration. Healthcare Tech Market Watch: New global reports project growth in 3D-printed implant polypropylene and blood bank information systems, pointing to rising demand for personalized care and better healthcare data flows.

Environmental & Health Impact: A researcher warns oil contamination from the Iran-US conflict could linger for years, with mangroves on Qeshm Island affected, another leak reaching Oman, and smoke/dust posing intermittent exposure risks. Local Tech Governance: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry set up a committee to select Junior Legal Researchers, using fully electronic written exams graded by automated systems for faster, more transparent results. Education Upgrade: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education met the OECD to track a technical assistance project covering curriculum strategy, comparative studies in math/science/English, and a new teacher licensing exam system. Security & Borders: Kuwait called for stronger Arab coordination at airports and borders using modern tech and better information sharing to tackle smuggling, trafficking, and drug flows. AI & Research Partnerships: Kuwait’s ambassador to South Korea backed AI-focused university cooperation via KFAS STEAM, aiming to build future national cadres. Energy Tech in Kuwait: Baker Hughes won a multi-year KOC contract to build an in-country research and technology center at Ahmadi Innovation Valley, targeting AI/digital tools to boost recovery and cut costs. STEM Outreach: High school students from Kuwait and the region joined a medical/science summer programme run by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar through live online sessions. Maritime Tech & Strategy: A Gulf-wide push is highlighted for AI-enabled port safety and next-gen maritime tech as regional states adapt to security pressures around key sea lanes.

Kuwait Drone Rules: The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to regulate unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft and related activities, setting licensing, permits, prohibited uses and penalties under the Civil Aviation authority. Health Tech Governance: Kuwait’s MoH issued new patient-safety rules tightening bariatric surgery and non-surgical interventions, and also published a practical guide for using AI language tools and large language models in healthcare—banning staff from uploading patient identifiers to unapproved platforms. AI Skills & Training: CAIT ran a workshop reviewing government digital transformation projects with Google Cloud and Microsoft, while PAAET and Customs signed an MoU to boost customs training and specialized curricula. Energy Innovation: Baker Hughes won a multi-year Kuwait Oil Company contract for the Ahmadi Innovation Valley, including a dedicated research and tech development centre using digital tools and AI automation. Regional Tech & Education: Kuwait’s ambassador to South Korea backed AI-focused university cooperation via KFAS STEAM, and Zain Kuwait wrapped its IN Summer Camp for 2,560 children with hands-on robotics, coding, AR and 3D printing. Youth & Science: Kuwait Earth Sciences Society urged young geologists to join its Kuwait Geopark push.

Aviation & Safety Law: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to regulate drones, light sport aircraft and air sports, setting rules for registration, licensing, permits, prohibited activities and penalties, with the Public Authority of Civil Aviation overseeing implementation. Healthcare Regulation: The Ministry of Health issued new controls for bariatric surgery and non-surgical interventional procedures, defining eligible procedures, standards for facilities and practitioners, and patient selection rules (including cases for ages 12–17). AI in Medicine: MoH also published a practical guide for using AI language tools and large language models in healthcare, stressing patient privacy, that AI outputs are not final clinical recommendations, and banning staff from uploading identifying patient data to unapproved platforms. Telecom AI Trial: stc completed Kuwait’s first AI-powered real-time voice translation trial between Arabic and English, aiming for low-latency, network-integrated commercial rollout. Digital Skills & Government Tech: CAIT reviewed progress under Google Cloud and Microsoft partnerships for digital transformation and training, aligned with the National Digital Skills Development Program. STEM for Kids: Zain Kuwait and KFAS’ SACGC wrapped up the IN Summer Camp, training 2,560 children through hands-on robotics, AI, AR, coding and 3D printing. Energy Tech Contract: Baker Hughes signed a multiyear deal with Kuwait Oil Company to support the Ahmadi Innovation Valley with scalable digital and AI automation for upstream efficiency. Space Watch: Kuwait’s Al-Ujairi Scientific Center flagged Aug 12–13 sky highlights, including the Perseids and visible planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

Kuwait Emergency Response Fund: Kuwait’s Emergency Response Fund has reached KD 75.37 million from 68 public and private contributors, with KFAED saying requests from key ministries are now in technical review. Energy Tech in Kuwait: Baker Hughes won a multi-year contract with Kuwait Oil Company for the Ahmadi Innovation Valley project, focusing on digital and AI automation plus a dedicated Kuwait R&D center. Digital Housing Services: PAHW says it delivered 223,000+ e-services in H1 2026 via Sahel, its website, video conferencing and chatbots, with 325,412 users. Science & Biosecurity: KISR, with PAAAFR and WHO support, is running a workshop on veterinary lab accreditation and antimicrobial resistance under a One Health approach. Telecom & AI Calling: Zain Group reported strong H1 2026 results and says it has started network testing for real-time AI call translation with Huawei smartphones. Automation & Ports: CyberLogitec secured a deal to provide the terminal operating system for Incheon’s automated container terminal phases 1-2, aiming for a 2028 commercial opening. Solar for Souk Sharq: AEPCo and Marasi United/URC will build an 8.77MW rooftop-and-carport solar system at Souk Sharq, targeting major CO2 cuts over the project life. Regional Security Watch: The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan continues to spark debate over whether it’s a true collective deterrent or a shifting regional order.

Kuwait Digital Services: PAHW says it delivered 223,000+ e-services in H1 2026, with Sahel and its website handling most requests and chatbots covering tens of thousands more. Veterinary Lab Readiness: KISR, with PAAAFR and WHO Kuwait, is running a workshop on accrediting veterinary laboratories and strengthening antimicrobial resistance surveillance under a One Health approach. Education Rules Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Education is circulating draft dress and conduct regulations for school staff and students, including modest, non-conspicuous attire and safety gear for service employees. Telecom & AI Calling: Zain Group reports strong H1 2026 results, and the operator is also testing real-time AI call translation with Huawei smartphones. Mobile Retail Push: Ooredoo Kuwait is offering “3 Months on Us” for Samsung Galaxy Z foldables with a 5G plan. Solar for Souk Sharq: AEPCo will build an 8.77MW rooftop-and-carport solar project at Souk Sharq, aiming to cut CO2 emissions over the system’s life. Healthcare Expansion: Kuwait opened the Jaber Al-Ahmad Kidney Dialysis Center in Ahmadi with 83 dialysis units. Regional Security Tech: A new Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey mutual defence pact is being debated as a potential “Islamic NATO,” with analysts linking it to shifting Gulf security and deterrence dynamics. Food & Biosecurity: Kuwait’s role in regional foot-and-mouth disease controls is echoed as the Philippines bans imports from FMD-affected countries including Kuwait.

Kuwait Solar Push: AEPCo will develop an 8.77MW rooftop-and-carport solar project at Souk Sharq under a deal with Marasi United, aiming to cut about 189,000 tonnes of CO2 over the system’s life and support Kuwait’s 2035 renewables target. Healthcare Expansion: The Jaber Al-Ahmad Kidney Dialysis Center opened in Ahmadi with 83 dialysis units and capacity for 600+ patients, adding lab, pharmacy and emergency services. Digital Payments & Automation: IBS says it runs 1,500 self-service kiosks and 25,000 POS terminals across the region, boosting automated remittance and telecom services. Telecom Retail Deal: Ooredoo Kuwait is offering 3 months of free instalments on Samsung Galaxy Z foldables with a 5G Advanced plan. Energy Logistics Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed, Gulf states are paying more for essentials shipped by air, including food and household goods. Aviation Security: Kuwait’s aviation security committee met to tighten coordination at Kuwait International Airport and update procedures with ICAO requirements. Oil Sector R&D: Halliburton won a long-term contract with Kuwait Oil Company to build an upstream research centre in Ahmadi Innovation Valley, using data and AI for field lifecycle improvements.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Gulf states face soaring costs after five months of near-closure, with shipping delays hitting everyday essentials and energy exports. Iraq Trade Corridors: Iraq’s Grand Faw Port push is colliding with competing rail links to Iranian and Kuwaiti ports, reshaping how goods reach Europe. Food Security & Farming Tech: Kuwait is mulling an agriculture investment boost, aiming to attract capital and modernize local production with hydroponics and vertical farming. Healthcare Expansion: The Jaber Al-Ahmad Kidney Dialysis Center in Ahmadi opens with 83 units for 600+ patients, adding lab, pharmacy, emergency and inpatient services. Public Sector Skills: KFAS and the Civil Service Commission sign an MoU to strengthen training and professional development for government employees. Energy R&D: Halliburton wins a long-term contract with Kuwait Oil Company to build an upstream research center in Ahmadi Innovation Valley, using data and AI for field lifecycle improvements. Aviation Governance: Kuwait Airways becomes fully state-owned under a new shareholding structure, with a next phase focused on technology, efficiency and service quality. Animal Health Controls: Kuwait-linked FMD outbreaks trigger import bans in the Philippines, showing how regional livestock risks spread fast. Gold Prices: Kuwait gold ends the week higher, closing at $4,342/oz amid weak US labor data and Middle East uncertainty.

Kuwait Health Tech & Care Expansion: Kuwait’s Health Minister inaugurated the Jaber Al-Ahmad Dialysis Center in Ahmadi, adding capacity for about 500 hemodialysis and 100 peritoneal dialysis patients, as the ministry links district units with Adan Hospital for better follow-up. Energy R&D for Kuwait: Halliburton won a long-term Kuwait Oil Company contract to build the Ahmadi Innovation Valley upstream research centre, using data, scientific analysis and AI to tackle brownfield and unconventional challenges. Aviation Security & Passenger Tech: Kuwait’s aviation security committee met to tighten coordination at Kuwait International Airport and update laws and procedures in line with new tech and ICAO travel facilitation systems. Digital & Financial Services: NBK became the first bank in Kuwait to activate a digital signature service, while Kuwait Airways moves into a fully state-owned shareholding structure to boost operational flexibility and tech upgrades. Regional Defense Tech Watch: The Mecca joint defense pact by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan is driving fresh attention on air-defense demand and the Patriot missile system, as missile supplies tighten amid wider regional conflict. Public Safety & Compliance: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry reported 400,519 enforcement procedures in June, including thousands of travel-ban and debtor arrest requests.

Kuwait Energy Tech: Halliburton won a long-term contract with Kuwait Oil Company to support an upstream research and development centre at Ahmadi Innovation Valley, aiming to develop solutions for brownfield, greenfield and unconventional fields using data, scientific analysis and AI. Aviation & Security: Kuwait’s aviation security committee met to strengthen coordination at Kuwait International Airport, improve passenger facilitation and update laws and procedures to match technological developments. Humanitarian Healthcare: Kuwait Red Crescent opened the Yusuf Abdullah Al-Nafisi Specialized Eye Hospital in Yemen’s Marib, adding clinics, operating rooms, pharmacy and lab services under the “Kuwait Stands by You” campaign. Local Governance & Justice: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice completed 400,519 enforcement procedures in June, including 5,855 travel-ban requests and KD 888,700 collected. Transport & Corporate Reform: Kuwait Airways began operating as a fully state-owned shareholding company after Decree Law No. 77 of 2026, with a next phase focused on efficiency, service quality, people and technology. Private Sector Emergency Support: Kuwait’s Emergency Response Fund added $12m more as private institutions joined the national push to speed up emergency response and reduce impacts. Regional Security Tech Angle: The “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan is being framed as a potential new collective deterrence model, with analysts watching how it could reshape regional security and diplomacy. Aviation Fuel Market: Dangote Refinery became Europe’s largest jet fuel supplier for a second straight month, shipping over 400,000 tonnes to Europe in July. Digital Innovation: Seatlr says it plans to launch a new global search engine in September 2026, built around a different way to discover and interact with information.

Gulf Security Shake-Up: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” saying an attack on any one is treated as an attack on all—while details of how far each would go remain unclear. Air-Defence Pressure: The Patriot missile system is in short supply as demand spikes from Ukraine and the wider Middle East, forcing Gulf states to triage incoming threats. Iran War’s Wider Reach: Analysts say the US-Iran conflict is spreading beyond one strait into critical infrastructure and broader regional pressure points. Energy Route Stress: India is exploring a deepwater oil pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but experts warn of major engineering and logistics hurdles. Kuwait Aviation Update: Kuwait Airways is transforming into a fully state-owned shareholding company, aiming for faster decisions, tech upgrades and future fleet/route expansion. Local Tech/Startups: Seatlr says it plans to launch a new global search engine in September 2026.

Gulf Security Pact: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” saying an attack on any one is an attack on all—though details on exact military obligations remain unclear, as analysts weigh what it means for deterrence amid Iran-linked missile and drone pressure. Air-Defence Strain: The Patriot missile system is under fresh demand as interceptor supplies get squeezed by the Ukraine war and the wider Middle East conflict, leaving Gulf states reportedly having to prioritize which threats to engage. Energy Chokepoint Pressure: Iran’s ability to disrupt Strait of Hormuz shipping is framed as “weaponised interdependence,” with transit volumes reportedly collapsing versus last year—raising urgency for alternatives. Infrastructure Workarounds: India’s proposed deepwater oil pipeline to bypass Hormuz faces major engineering and financial hurdles, with deep-sea routing and extreme depths cited as key obstacles. Kuwait Tech & Telecom: Zain Kuwait began testing real-time AI call translation with Arabic-English speech translation over standard calls using Huawei smartphones. New Search Startup: Seatlr says it plans to launch a new global search engine in September 2026, built around a different way to discover and navigate information.