The ongoing technological revolution is transforming the world, driving unprecedented changes across various industries and societies.
Numerous Middle East countries are reluctant to let this shift fly past them, especially amid ongoing efforts to diversify their economies beyond oil.
Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology are reshaping the Gulf region’s economic landscape. Local governments have embarked on heavy investments in digital infrastructure, smart cities and tech start-ups to keep up pace with other countries.
This rapidly evolving tech transformation arrives with the promise of new job opportunities and enhanced living standards, with the leading Middle Eastern countries keen to become a hub of the burgeoning digital world.
However, Kuwait is lagging behind its neighbours. Unlike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait has been slow to adopt and integrate cutting-edge digital technologies.
Still heavily relying upon its vast oil reserves and strategic location in the Gulf region, Kuwait appears to be playing catch-up in the digital sector.
Despite recognising the significance of digital transformation for future economic diversification, the country’s inability to escape from cultural and religious dogmas has hindered progress.
It is not too late for the government to take off the blindfold and let the brakes off, particularly in booming sectors such as iGaming. The growing interest in real money online casinos in Kuwait presents a golden opportunity for the country to embrace economic and cultural diversity.
The UAE & Saudi Arabia Show the Way Forward
Kuwait doesn’t have to look beyond the Wynn Al Marjan Island project north of Dubai to see a successful model of integrating luxury resorts with gaming and entertainment options.
The UAE’s agreement with the United States conglomerate unequivocally shows the country’s readiness to change the course and tap into new economic opportunities.
The regulatory landscape in the UAE is evolving to support the ever-growing industry and unlock its full potential. The country has hired several prominent figures from the US to help them build a robust legal framework.
With the arrival of Jim Murren as the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority’s chairman and Kevin Mullally as Chief Executive Officer, the UAE has demonstrated a genuine ambition to jump on the gaming bandwagon.
As attitudes towards gambling loosen within the region, only Kuwait seems unwilling to tap into the potential economic benefits and growth opportunities associated with the iGaming sector.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Pro League’s development into one of the world’s most exciting sports competitions is just the beginning.
Another of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects, Qiddiya City, also aims to transform the cultural and economic landscape in the Middle Easy.
Part of the Saudi Vision 2030 programme, Qiddiya is scheduled to host the 2024 eSports World Cup between July 4 and August 25.
It illustrates the Kingdom’s willingness to stray away from its traditional sources of income and gain a foothold in this comprehensive digital transformation.
Agility’s Role is Crucial
Agility, the infrastructure and innovation company, is in the midst of Kuwait’s effort to arm youth with crucial skills and prepare them for the job market.
The firm has shown an unparalleled commitment to the country’s attempts to boost the skills pool by sponsoring two coding programs and bootcamps for over 1,300 students this year.
“Our continued investment in capacity-building programs reflects Agility’s commitment to Kuwait’s youth,” Henadi Al Saleh, Chairperson of Agility, said.
“We are proud to have made a positive impact on more than 7,000 students, over half of whom are young women ready to launch their careers.
“Our support for Kuwait Codes 2024 and the launch of Academy X underscores our commitment to the next generation of tech talent in Kuwait.”
Kuwait Trailing in the Digital Health Sector
Kuwait’s health expenditures remain high and its digital health growth has fallen behind other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.
Despite registering one of the highest healthcare expenditure levels in the region at 5.1% GDP in 2023, Kuwait’s digital health growth lags behind GCC markets.
According to a BMI report, Kuwait’s efforts to integrate digital healthcare solutions, such as electronic healthcare records (EHR) systems and mobile applications, still lack an interconnected ecosystem.
Another significant concern related to the integration of digital solutions within the healthcare system is that public institutions trail the private sector.
Kuwait’s private health expenditure (5%) has been tipped to outpace the public sector (4.1%) in terms of compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2028.
The government is hellbent on restricting public health expenditure amidst fluctuating oil revenues, which act as the chief fund source of the sector.
