Kuwait city: Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Al-Omar announced that the Kuwait Oil Company's (KOC) newly launched Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center marks the first significant outcome of Kuwait's strategic collaboration with Microsoft. The official opening took place at KOC's Ahmadi headquarters and was attended by notable figures, including Minister of Oil Tareq Al-Roumi, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah, and Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) Director General Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Omar stated that the facility aims to integrate advanced AI tools into KOC's daily operations to enhance efficiency.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the AI Center seeks to be a model for other sectors in Kuwait. Naim Yazbeck, President of Microsoft for the Middle East and Africa, described the launch as a pivotal moment in Kuwait's transition to a knowledge-based economy. Yazbeck emphasized Microsoft's commitment to Kuwait's digital transformation, citing recent expansions in the country as evidence of their trust in Kuwait's potential.
The partnership is focused on training Kuwaiti talent, creating bespoke AI solutions, and employing data analytics to optimize production and transport networks. Yazbeck highlighted that the center is designed to foster future innovation and equip young Kuwaitis with advanced skills.
During the opening, engineers demonstrated an AI system capable of scheduling drilling rigs in real time and analyzing operational data to provide predictive recommendations. Executives believe this tool will significantly reduce costs, enhance productivity, and advance the New Kuwait 2035 vision.
The center's overarching goal is to expedite AI adoption within KOC, lower operational costs, enhance decision-making processes, and ensure Kuwait's energy sector remains competitive on a global scale.