ICT

Kuwait’s traditionally telecoms-led ICT sector saw developments in the past year that could encourage continuing expansion in telecoms and spur progress in the industry. While three telecoms operators continue to compete for the country’s high-value consumer market, they have also partnered with global ICT firms to expand their enterprise businesses. The government, for its part, has taken on a larger role in supporting the sector. In 2016 it handed key oversight responsibilities over to a new ICT regulator, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority. The government has also introduced new foreign direct investment laws and a fund to support small businesses and start-ups, adding important legal and financial incentives to boost ICT business growth.

This chapter contains interviews with Salim Al Ozainah, Chairman and CEO, Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA); and Eaman Al Roudhan, CEO, Zain Kuwait.