News

Kuwait Aims For Digital Transformation With Google Partnership

Google Cloud will work closely with several government agencies to digitize citizen services and increase public sector productivity.

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2023

Nour Nasir

kuwait aims for digital transformation with google partnership

Google Cloud

As part of Google’s expansion of its Cloud services into the Middle East, the tech giant has signed up to a strategic alliance with the government of Kuwait. The move shows a solid commitment to the region’s digital future, and as part of the agreement, the two entities will collaborate on a comprehensive digital roadmap that will encompass both governmental entities and state-owned enterprises.

As part of its expansion, Google Cloud aims to set up a local headquarters in Kuwait and will team up with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), and the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT).

The Government of Kuwait and Google Cloud will work towards “digitizing citizen services” and increasing employee productivity. In addition, the partnership will begin implementing several transformative initiatives that will help to digitize a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, disaster recovery, and smart living.

By leveraging Google Cloud’s technology and formidable expertise in data analytics, the Government of Kuwait will also be able to improve regional cybersecurity and artificial intelligence deployment. Meanwhile, Google Cloud support will become available to public sector organizations, businesses, and startups to build a modern, data-driven economy.

Also Read: Meet Hotdesk: A Homegrown UAE Remote Workspace Platform

“The strategic alliance supports the Government of Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which aims to transform Kuwait into a digital society and diversify its economy. We are proud to bring the latest Google Cloud technologies to Kuwait to help the country realize its digitization ambitions. The arrival of Google Cloud will contribute to developing a rich tech ecosystem in the country, creating exciting, highly-skilled job opportunities for Kuwaitis,” says Thomas Kurian, Chief Executive Officer, Google Cloud.

As well as a raft of economic benefits, the Google Cloud partnership will enable Kuwait’s Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) to develop a national upskilling program for government employees. All in all, the strategic allegiance looks set to radically overhaul Kuwait’s government and public sector, ushering in a new era where cutting-edge data analytics, machine learning, and enhanced security mesh seamlessly into everyday life.

News

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.