TLDR: A recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study, ‘GCC AI Pulse: Mapping the Region’s Readiness for an AI-Driven Future,’ identifies Kuwait as an ‘AI Practitioner’ among 30 global economies. This classification, shared with Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, signifies strong foundational progress in AI integration across key sectors. The report underscores significant opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its AI readiness and leadership, particularly through its National AI Strategy, by focusing on talent development, policy innovation, and strategic investments.
Kuwait has been officially recognized as an ‘AI Practitioner’ in a comprehensive study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report, titled ‘GCC AI Pulse: Mapping the Region’s Readiness for an AI-Driven Future,’ positions Kuwait among 30 forward-looking economies globally that are actively integrating Artificial Intelligence across various pivotal sectors. This designation places Kuwait alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, all classified as AI Practitioners. The report, based on BCG’s 2025 AI Maturity Matrix, categorizes countries into four archetypes based on their AI readiness: AI Emergents, Practitioners, Contenders, and Pioneers. While no GCC country has yet achieved the ‘AI Pioneer’ status, held by nations like the US, UK, and China, the study highlights substantial opportunities for the region to advance its AI readiness and leadership.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, for instance, are listed as ‘AI Contenders,’ indicating a more advanced stage of AI integration compared to the ‘Practitioner’ group. The ‘GCC AI Pulse’ report, initially released around April 22-23, 2025, emphasizes the critical role of AI and Generative AI (GenAI) as transformative forces impacting productivity, innovation, and the quality of life across modern economies.
Dmitry Garanin, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, commented on Kuwait’s standing, stating, ‘Kuwait’s commitment to integrating AI across pivotal sectors showcases a visionary stride towards digital transformation. The National AI Strategy underlines a significant ambition that, if supported by a concerted effort in skilling, policy innovation, and targeted investment, can transform Kuwait into a regional AI powerhouse.’ He further emphasized the challenge of moving ‘from strategy to execution, ensuring that initiatives like the AI Center of Excellence and enhanced data governance frameworks lead to tangible outcomes. Bridging the current gaps in investment and research is crucial for Kuwait, not just to catch up, but to lead.’
Dr. Lars Littig, also a Managing Director and Partner at BCG, echoed this sentiment, adding, ‘The foundation is set; now is the time for bold, decisive action to leverage AI for sustainable growth.’
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The Kuwait National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, developed by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), provides a comprehensive framework for responsibly harnessing AI for national development, aligning with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. Key next steps for Kuwait include focusing investments, operationalizing a robust governance model, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and deepening its AI talent pipeline. The report also suggests that expanding the AI talent pipeline through dedicated upskilling programs and attracting global talent will be vital for innovative leaps in AI within the region.
