News

Google Cloud Opens New Kuwait Office To Aid Digital Transformation

The search giant is bringing its AI and data expertise to Kuwait, adding to a national upskilling initiative to help realize the country’s 2035 vision.

Published

4 months ago

July 10, 2024

Nour Nasir

google cloud opens new kuwait office to aid digital transformation

Google Cloud is opening new offices in Kuwait after receiving a license from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). The Google Cloud facility will act as a central hub for collaboration and technological innovation, bringing together a range of experts who will work closely with both customers and partners.

“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the guidance of His Highness the Prime Minister, Kuwait has made great strides towards realizing its National Vision 2035,” stated His Excellency Mr. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Communication Affairs.

omar saud al-omar minister of commerce and industry and minister of state for communication affairs

Eighteen months ago, Google Cloud revealed details of a national alliance framework agreement with Kuwait’s government that intended to develop an all-encompassing roadmap for digital transformation. Government entities and specific state-owned enterprises would benefit from Google Cloud’s cutting-edge data expertise and technologies — such as AI — enhancing their operations and bolstering cybersecurity.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

According to Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director of Google Cloud in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, “Opening Google Cloud offices in Kuwait is yet another step to meet the demand for our services and expertise to support the New Kuwait Vision 2035 vision […] in addition to participating in the implementation of several digital transformation initiatives in healthcare, education, disaster recovery, and smart living”.

Google has also collaborated in a national upskilling program in Kuwait to help government employees, entrepreneurs, and graduates better understand the latest digital technologies. According to a Google-commissioned study by Access Partnership, the overall annual economic impact cloud computing technologies could bring Kuwait may reach a colossal USD29.8 billion by 2030.

News

Qatar Airways Debuts World’s First Boeing 777 Starlink Flight

The airline has ambitious plans to roll out the high-speed, low-latency service across its entire Boeing 777 fleet within a year.

Published

13 hours ago

October 23, 2024

Nour Nasir

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has taken a significant step ahead of the competition by being the first operator to offer Starlink internet on a Boeing 777 aircraft traveling from Doha to London.

As the largest and first airline in the MENA region to offer Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet, Qatar Airways continues to raise the bar for in-flight services after winning the coveted Skytrax “World’s Best Airline” for 2024 award.

Initially, the carrier planned to outfit three Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink technology. However, by the end of 2024, the airline will have upgraded 12 Boeing 777-300s with this service. Further ahead, the entire Boeing 777 fleet is set to be Starlink-equipped by 2025, one year earlier than originally scheduled, with the Airbus A350 fleet following suit by mid-2025.

This rollout demonstrates Qatar Airways’ dedication to enhancing in-flight connectivity and will enable passengers to stay in touch with family and friends, stream media, watch live sports, work remotely, and even play online games — all at 35,000 feet.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed excitement about the debut flight, stating: “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry”.

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He continued, “Paired with our commitment to rapidly rollout Starlink across our entire modern fleet, [Qatar Airways] demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel”.

By launching its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, Qatar Airways has achieved several milestones, including operating the world’s first Boeing 777 widebody with the service onboard. Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership with SpaceX ensures passengers will continue to enjoy an unmatched in-flight experience, and not only represents a breakthrough for Qatar Airways but also sets a new standard for in-flight connectivity globally.