Kuwait and Bahrain intensify collaborations in digital modernization, knowledge-sharing across technical domains.
Fresh Take:
Kuwait and Bahrain took a giant leap forward in modern technology as their top ministers gathered for a game-changing meeting. Led by Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, Kuwait's Minister of Public Works, and Dr. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa of Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, discussions were focused on boosting digital transformation and sharing technological know-how.
The meeting dived deep into areas with high growth potential, particularly in transport networks (land, sea, and air) and communication sectors. A significant emphasis was placed on maritime tourism and streamlining port connectivity.
Bahrain made it clear they're keen to sign a memorandum of understanding, aiming to improve connectivity and showcase their shared maritime heritage. Meanwhile, they offered to share their air transport experience, trumpeting the success of their civil aviation authority.
Minister Al-Mashaan highlighted key projects underway, such as the Gulf Railway Link and the rail connection between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. She also spotlighted Kuwait's thriving digital sector, being first-rate in network coverage and cheap services, reflecting its robust digital foundations.
Kuwait blazed the trail in the telecommunications sector, with the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) playing a crucial role in enhancing the digital landscape, strengthening regulatory oversight, and staying abreast of technological advancements.
Future successes and modern technology investments were emphasized to boost government performance, backed by experience sharing.
The meeting consisted of:
- Sheikh Khaled Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Director General of the Ports Authority
- Eid Al-Rashidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works
- Eng. Khaled Dhawi Al-Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport
- Eng. Ayman Asad Al-Mousawi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Control and Audit Sector
- Eng. Ahmed Saad Al-Saleh, Assistant Undersecretary for the Planning and Development Sector
From the Bahraini side, representatives included:
- Salah Ali Al-Maliki, Ambassador of Bahrain to Kuwait
- Fatima Abdullah Al-Dhaen, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Land Transport and Post
- Bader Hood Al-Mahmoud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Ports and Maritime Affairs
- Hussein Ahmed Al-Shuail, Acting Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Affairs
- Yassin Al-Sayed, Director of the Air Navigation Systems Department
- Ms. Moza Al-Jalahma and the Acting Director of the Communications Department
During the meeting, Al-Rashidi provided an overview of the Ministry's role in construction and infrastructure, expressing interest in enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Eng. Khaled Al-Osaimi discussed the establishment of the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport and outlined plans to upgrade the land transport sector and improve public transportation.
The Bahraini delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and looked forward to ongoing collaboration, benefiting both nations and their people.
As for future prospects, opportunities for seamless port and maritime connectivity could arise, stemming from their May 4, 2025 agreement to solidify technical expertise exchange and digital infrastructure collaboration. Bahrain could serve as a guide for Kuwait with its fully digitized marine reclamation permits and automated fee systems, while fostering regional collaborations via the Arab ICT Union.
- The Bahraini Ambassador to Kuwait, Salah Ali Al-Maliki, was part of the Bahraini delegation at the meeting, which aimed to improve connectivity and showcase shared maritime heritage.
- During the meeting, Eng. Khaled Dhawi Al-Osaimi from the Kuwaiti side discussed plans to upgrade the land transport sector and improve public transportation, highlighting the role of the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport.
- Moza Al-Jalahma from the Bahraini Communications Department expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and looked forward to ongoing collaboration, noting potential future prospects for seamless port and maritime connectivity.
- Bahrain could potentially guide Kuwait in the digitization of marine reclamation permits and automated fee systems, fostering regional collaborations via the Arab ICT Union, as outlined in their May 4, 2025 agreement for technical expertise exchange and digital infrastructure collaboration.
