Zain Kuwait has announced a strategic partnership with the AI & Cybersecurity GCC Forum 2026, held at the American International University in Kuwait (AIU). The fourth edition of the forum convened government officials, industry leaders, academics, and technology experts from Kuwait and the broader Gulf region to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
The event took place over two days, combining high-level strategic discussions with hands-on workshops aimed at preparing the next generation of technology professionals. Senior representatives attending the opening ceremony included Dr. Faiza Al-Kharafi, Chair of the AIU Board of Trustees; Dr. Khaled Al-Zamel, Chairman of Kuwait’s Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); Abeer Al-Awadhi, Head of the National Cybersecurity Center; Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence of Things Association; alongside senior executives from Zain Kuwait.
Zain’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration among the private sector, government, and academia to address critical issues surrounding AI adoption, governance, privacy, ethics, and security. Waleed Al-Khashti, Zain Kuwait’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Relations Officer, highlighted the company’s early adoption of AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs), which are developed and managed internally using national talent and infrastructure. This approach aims to maintain data sovereignty while enhancing cybersecurity and privacy protections.
“AI is advancing at an extraordinary pace, reshaping how we work, innovate, and create value for society,” Al-Khashti said, emphasizing the importance of responsibly integrating AI technologies. He also stressed the need for innovation and cybersecurity to evolve together, noting Zain’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its cyber defenses and cultivate a cyber-aware culture internally. Investing in the digital skills of young Kuwaitis was also highlighted as crucial for equipping future generations to contribute to the country’s digital economy.
The forum’s program featured sessions on AI policy, governance, digital transformation, and practical applications of emerging technologies. Zain representatives participated in panel discussions addressing key themes such as responsible AI governance and preparing youth for a digital future. Hind Al-Amiri, Zain’s Cloud and Database System Team Leader, joined the conversation on establishing frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards including accountability, transparency, trust, privacy, and security. Another panel, featuring Humoud Al-Khamees, Cloud Networking Department Manager at Zain, focused on aligning education with the evolving demands of the technology workforce and fostering collaboration between academia and the private sector.
The event emphasized the intersection of AI advancement and cybersecurity needs, exploring how regional stakeholders can develop actionable strategies to ensure secure and ethical technology deployment across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Zain Kuwait’s involvement reflects its broader strategy to support Kuwait’s innovation ecosystem, enhance public-private collaboration, and contribute to building national competencies in advanced technologies. These initiatives aim to promote a safer, more innovative digital economy, enabling the country to fully capitalize on opportunities presented by emerging technological developments.