Latest news with #Al-Omar
Arab Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait plans to enhance Sahel app and broaden digital services
KUWAIT CITY, July 5: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar on Saturday emphasized the ongoing commitment to enhance and update the government application 'Sahel,' aligning it with Kuwait's broader digitization goals and meeting the growing demand for efficient, secure digital services from citizens and residents. Al-Omar told KUNA that the Ministry recently convened an expanded meeting with Sahel's Executive Committee to assess recent developments and discuss future plans for expanding the digital services offered through the platform. He revealed that the upcoming phase will include the launch of new services and a stronger focus on integrating government agencies via improved data exchange and technical connectivity. Describing digitization as more than just a technical upgrade, the minister highlighted it as a comprehensive transformation in service delivery. 'Sahel is the practical embodiment of this approach,' he said, stressing its role as a central national platform that facilitates access to government services through a unified digital gateway. This streamlining significantly reduces time and effort for users while enhancing satisfaction with government performance. Al-Omar further stressed the importance of continued government support for the Sahel's executive committee, praising the collaborative efforts of the various teams involved. He underlined the need to intensify coordination with government agencies to accelerate the addition of new services, ensuring that 'service begins with the citizen and ends with him.' In addition to public services, the minister pointed out that the next development stage will focus heavily on advancing the Sahel Business application. This platform aims to better serve the private sector by enabling entrepreneurs and companies to complete transactions more easily and efficiently, reflecting Kuwait's comprehensive national strategy to digitize the business environment. The meeting included key figures such as Eng. Tareq Al-Darbas, Advisor to the Minister, Colonel Bashar Al-Sayed Hashem, Director of the Information Systems Department at the Ministry of Interior, Fajr Al-Yassin, Quality Control Supervisor at the Public Authority for Civil Information, and Amina Abdul Rahim, Systems Development Supervisor at the same authority. The government's ongoing digital transformation via Sahel is seen as a pivotal step toward increasing transparency, equitable access to services, and improved public spending efficiency.
Kuwait Times
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait works to disaster-proof telecom sector amid tensions
Communications minister convenes meeting to ensure stability of internet, mobile and government digital services KUWAIT: As attacks escalate between the Zionist entity and Iran, raising alarms across the Middle East, Kuwait is reinforcing its telecommunications infrastructure to ensure service continuity and national readiness. Minister of State for Communication Affairs Omar Al-Omar convened a high-level emergency meeting on Sunday, bringing together senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), and representatives from Kuwait's major telecom providers—Zain, Ooredoo, stc, and Virgin Mobile. 'This meeting is a continuation of the coordination efforts we began in recent days, in light of current regional developments,' said Al-Omar in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). 'Ensuring the continuity of telecom services is a top priority at this stage. We are working to enhance coordination between government agencies, service providers, and both local and international telecom companies to prepare the country for any developments or emergencies.' The push for emergency readiness follows three consecutive days of heavy fire exchanged between the Zionist entity and Iran, sparked by an unprovoked Zionist attack on Tehran on Friday night. Strikes, which targeted military and civilian infrastructure, have killed 13 people in the Zionist entity and 128 in Iran. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict that could impact Gulf nations, including Kuwait. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications Mishal Al-Zaid confirmed that the ministry had 'raised its technical and field readiness' and was 'monitoring the performance of the local network and fixed-line services in real-time' with telecom partners to ensure swift response to any disruptions. Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al-Sabah, Acting Chairman of CITRA, outlined key proactive measures taken by the authority: 'We've coordinated with global service providers to secure alternative routing paths and activated internet exchange points (IX) within Kuwait. These measures will enhance the stability of both local and international data flow and ensure uninterrupted telecom services.' Digital government services are also part of the emergency continuity plan. Najat Ibrahim, Acting Director of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), said the agency is ensuring the 'integration of government systems to meet current demands' and confirmed that operational plans are in place to maintain services 'under all circumstances.' In essence, these steps are part of Kuwait's broader effort to disaster-proof its telecom infrastructure—ensuring the continuity of internet, mobile, and government digital services even if regional conflicts disrupt key infrastructure elsewhere. Telecom operators affirmed their full preparedness for various scenarios, citing infrastructure resilience, upgraded emergency centers, and advanced technical support plans. 'We're committed to continuous technical and operational coordination with government entities to guarantee service continuity and rapid response to any potential outages,' said representatives from the national telecom companies. The meeting ended with an agreement to continue regular coordination sessions and issue periodic status reports to maintain confidence in the country's telecom readiness. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait in talks to chair committee to combat digital misinformation
Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) council representatives meet in Kuwait KUWAIT: Kuwait is in discussions to lead a multilateral committee to combat digital disinformation, aiming to unify Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) member states' efforts in countering fake news and safeguarding digital content integrity, Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar said following a key meeting of the DCO. DCO is a global multilateral body established in 2020 and headquartered in Saudi Arabia. It brings together governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of digital industries. Members include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Djibouti, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar and DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya attend a DCO Council meeting chaired by Kuwait. Wednesday's meeting is the first of its kind since Kuwait assumed the rotating presidency of the DCO Council after the fourth General Assembly held in Jordan last February. 'This exceptional meeting represents a milestone in establishing coordinated efforts between member states to overcome digital challenges and promote integrity in digital content,' said Al-Omar. Al-Omar added that the adoption of Kuwait as the host country for the next DCO General Assembly underscores its leadership role in advancing regional and international digital cooperation. DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya praised Kuwait's initiative to host the extraordinary meeting, saying it reflects Kuwait's serious commitment to joint digital action and its leadership in strengthening the organization's institutional structure. 'This meeting is a strategic step in advancing our shared digital agenda and expanding the organization's impact in supporting emerging digital economies,' Al-Yahya said. During her visit to Kuwait, Al-Yahya, who is also Member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, and her accompanying delegation met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, at Bayan Palace. The meeting was attended by Minister Al-Omar, and Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan, Abdulaziz Dakhil Al-Dakhil. — Agencies
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait builds secure digital foundation for government services with Cloud technology
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar affirmed on Thursday that Kuwait's partnership with Google Cloud will enhance digital government efficiency, accelerate service automation, and improve public service quality. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following a meeting with Chris Lindsay, Google Cloud's Vice President of Engineering for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Al-Omar said the visit reflects the ministry's efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with global tech leaders and expand the automation of government services. He noted that the partnership marks a key milestone in Kuwait's national roadmap for digital transformation. 'We aim to build a secure, integrated technical environment that allows government agencies to deliver efficient services through flexible cloud infrastructure and advanced analytics, ensuring optimal data use and improved information security,' he said. Al-Omar explained that the agreement enables key ministries, particularly Finance and Justice, to upgrade their systems using advanced cloud platforms. This shift is expected to enhance government performance, streamline procedures, and support data-driven decision-making. He added that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is working closely with key government entities to automate services and integrate systems by leveraging Google Cloud's solutions. This effort supports a broader vision of building a modern digital infrastructure, developing national skills, and delivering secure and smart government services. The Google Cloud delegation also met Wednesday with Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Eng. Noura Al-Fassam. Discussions focused on transitioning financial systems to a secure cloud environment, enhancing operational efficiency, data management, transparency, and policy-making in line with the New Kuwait 2035 Vision. Additionally, the delegation met with Ministry of Justice officials to explore ways of using cloud technology to strengthen digital infrastructure and enhance judicial systems. The aim is to simplify legal procedures, speed up services, and boost the efficiency of judicial operations.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Saudia launches transformative expansion of Hajj operations
KARACHI: Saudia Airlines has announced a transformative expansion of its Hajj operations, marking what the company calls a 'new era' in pilgrimage travel that extends far beyond traditional air transportation services. For the Hajj 2025 season, scheduled for June 4-9 pending lunar observations, the Saudi national flag carrier is positioning itself as a comprehensive service partner rather than merely an airline, introducing revolutionary products and services designed to enhance the spiritual journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide. The airline has allocated over one million seats across its modern fleet of 158 aircraft, targeting a market share of up to 35% while serving pilgrims from more than 100 global destinations. The operation will mobilize over 11,000 frontline staff and aircraft maintenance technicians across a 74-day operational window. 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities,' said H.E. Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia. 'This year, we are proud to not only manage air operations at full capacity but to also extend our role to become a direct service provider to pilgrims.' The airline is investing over SAR 100 million (approximately USD 26.7 million) in infrastructure and services across Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, creating what Al-Omar describes as 'thoughtfully curated service packages' that will redefine the concept of Hajj service delivery. Perhaps the most striking innovation is Saudia's introduction of 'The Coolest Ihram' — the world's first high-tech Ihram garment, unveiled on World Creativity and Innovation Day. Developed in collaboration with design firm Landor and textile technology company brrr, the garment represents a significant advancement in pilgrim comfort and safety. The revolutionary Ihram incorporates patented cooling minerals, active wicking technology, and rapid-drying capabilities that can reduce skin temperature by up to 2°C (3.6°F). The garment also provides UPF 50+ sun protection while maintaining full compliance with Islamic requirements for both men and women. The product will be available to Saudia passengers beginning in June 2025. This innovation addresses a critical need, as pilgrims often face extreme heat conditions during the Hajj, with temperatures in Saudi Arabia frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the pilgrimage season. Saudia's transformation extends well beyond transportation. The airline is establishing dedicated rest areas, restaurants, and coffee lounges inspired by its premium AlFursan airport lounges at the holy sites. These facilities will be staffed by multilingual personnel to ensure seamless communication with the diverse international pilgrim population. The enhanced service portfolio includes specialized accommodation arrangements, diverse halal meal options, timely prayer and Miqat announcements, and educational programs developed in collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
