GCC digital cooperation took centre stage in Manama on Wednesday as regional ministers discussed ways to improve digital government services. Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, called for stronger knowledge-sharing among Gulf Cooperation Council members. He said closer collaboration could improve electronic services and support more consistent digital transformation across the region.
Al-Omar led Kuwait’s delegation at the tenth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Digital Government. During discussions, he highlighted the value of exchanging technical expertise and coordinating approaches to government technology. Moreover, he said cooperation could help authorities deliver public services more efficiently while strengthening integration among member states.
The meeting also examined the GCC Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030, which outlines the region’s direction for AI development. Ministers discussed preparations for the GCC Digital Government Award alongside progress on decisions from previous committee meetings. These discussions aimed to maintain momentum on shared priorities and strengthen coordination between participating governments.
In addition, officials considered joint initiatives covering digital government, cybersecurity and business continuity. These areas matter as public institutions expand their use of online services and technology-based administrative systems. Consequently, cooperation can help governments exchange experience, address common challenges and strengthen the reliability of essential digital services.
The ministers also discussed engagement with international organisations and global indicators that assess government technology capabilities. Such measures help countries evaluate their digital readiness and compare progress in modernising public administration. Furthermore, shared expertise may help GCC members identify gaps and develop more coordinated approaches to improving their digital services.
Al-Omar thanked Bahrain for hosting the meeting in Manama and acknowledged the GCC General Secretariat’s role in organising technical programmes. He also reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to regional digital integration and its contribution to sustainable development objectives. Through these efforts, Kuwait aims to support collaboration on technology priorities that extend beyond individual national programmes.
The Kuwaiti delegation also included Najat Al-Toum, acting director general of the Central Agency for Information Technology. Her participation reflected the involvement of national technology institutions in regional discussions on digital transformation. Meanwhile, the committee’s review provided an opportunity for member states to assess ongoing initiatives and identify areas for further cooperation.
GCC digital cooperation remains important as governments work to modernise services, strengthen cybersecurity and explore artificial intelligence applications. However, achieving these goals will require continued coordination, practical implementation and progress monitoring across participating countries. The 2026–2030 strategy and related initiatives will therefore provide a framework for future discussions on regional digital development.
By strengthening GCC digital cooperation, member states aim to improve public service delivery and build more connected government systems. The meeting in Manama reinforced the importance of shared expertise, coordinated planning and sustained regional engagement.
