How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Business in Kuwait, According to InnoTech Consulting CEO

This interview with Hanan Al Sharah, CEO of InnoTech Consulting, explores the role of artificial intelligence in business, digital transformation in Kuwait, and the evolving consulting landscape in the Middle East. As the founder of a Kuwait consulting firm specialising in business technology consulting, AI strategy consulting, fintech consulting, data science consulting, and leadership consulting, Hanan Al Sharah shares insights drawn from both academic research and hands-on entrepreneurial experience.

The discussion highlights how artificial intelligence is no longer optional for businesses, but a core driver of profitability, organisational culture and scalable growth. Drawing on her PhD research in entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, she explains how AI-driven digital transformation in Kuwait is reshaping decision-making across sectors, particularly in healthcare and the food and beverage sector. The interview also addresses cybersecurity risks, data protection, and the importance of proper implementation when adopting new technologies.

A strong focus is placed on women empowerment through artificial intelligence, with Hanan Al Sharah outlining gaps in AI usage among women in corporate environments and the need for inclusive policy frameworks. Her work in this field led to international recognition for female leadership in technology, reinforcing Kuwait’s growing role in the global innovation ecosystem.

The interview also introduces InnoTech’s practical consulting approach, including the Hijacker Programme, a co-execution consulting model designed to deliver real impact beyond traditional advisory services. The conversation concludes with an optimistic outlook on Kuwait’s digital economy, youth innovation, and the country’s readiness for the next wave of AI adoption and digital transformation.

You appear to wear many hats, an academic, an entrepreneur and a female empowerment leader. To begin, please introduce yourself for our audience and tell us how you developed into these fields?

I have many versions of myself. I am the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of InnoTech, a business technology consultancy company. I am also an academic instructor specialising in entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, and I am a mother of three children. There are many different versions of me in every scenario. What matters most is that I try my best to show the best version of myself in every role.

Technology is moving very quickly and it affects businesses across every sector. When I began my PhD, I realised that the issue was not entrepreneurship alone. It was the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in business. Through my research, I focused on identifying gaps in the market and addressing them through academic and theoretical analysis. I also worked on providing recommendations for policymakers so they could follow structured approaches to implementation.

How do you manage to keep pace with artificial intelligence?

It is driven by passion. From a young age, I was deeply interested in technology. Anything related to computers or technology attracted my attention. I wanted to understand how to use technology in productive and meaningful ways. I began using the internet at a very early stage and followed its evolution closely. I later specialised in information technology during my undergraduate studies.

My passion for technology continued as I became an instructor teaching computer engineering students in Kuwait. At the same time, I had a strong interest in business. I founded my first company, then a second company, and later completed an MBA. I then pursued a PhD specialising in entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence. I chose artificial intelligence because it is not a trend or a buzzword. It is no longer a luxury that businesses can optionally adopt. Artificial intelligence has become essential for every business. Globally, companies that implement the right technologies grow faster and achieve higher profits than those that do not.

How do you see companies adapting to the new AI landscape?

One of my research projects focused on the innovative rise of entrepreneurship through artificial intelligence. I conducted a quantitative survey and analysed the data to assess how artificial intelligence affects organisations. The findings showed that artificial intelligence can significantly increase profitability, influence organisational culture and even affect employee behaviour. Its impact is visible at both the individual and corporate levels. Implementing artificial intelligence enables organisations to move from one level to another. Another area of my research focused on women empowerment through artificial intelligence. I identified a gap showing that women in the region use artificial intelligence less than men in corporate environments. Based on this, I developed theoretical frameworks and recommendations to support governments and policymakers in creating healthier and more inclusive ecosystems. As a result of this research, I was recognised at the United Kingdom Parliament House of Lords by the World Peace Council for leadership, women empowerment and the use of technology. I was honoured and grateful for that recognition, which was based on my academic work and research.

How has Kuwait progressed in its digitalisation ambitions?

Before the pandemic, discussions around technology in Kuwait were largely about ideas and ambition. The pandemic revealed that we had significant potential but were not fully utilising it. New regulations forced institutions to adopt technology across sectors, including education, healthcare and other industries. Ku wait is now riding the technological wave. Technology is clearly affecting the economy in a positive way. While Kuwait may not yet be at the level of countries such as the United States or China, progress is evident, and the country is moving in the right direction.

Are there risks associated with increased reliance on technology?

Yes. Every technology carries risks alongside its advantages. One concern is that children may rely too heavily on technology without developing essential human and cognitive skills. Cybersecurity is another major issue. If organisations do not invest in proper security systems, data becomes vulnerable. Data is a company’s most valuable asset, and losing it can result in a loss of customer trust. Businesses sometimes hesitate to invest in security, but without it, the risks are significant. Awareness and proper implementation are essential.

Is that why you founded InnoTech? Please tell us more about your company’s mission.

Initially, I believed success was only about having a good idea. Over time, I realised that success depends on having the right team at the right time. Our philosophy at InnoTech is simple. We innovate to solve problems and create impact. We do not only consult. We work to provide practical solutions that fit each organisation. Our team includes specialists in fintech, leadership, artificial intelligence, data science and technology. InnoTech serves as an umbrella organisation, providing integrated solutions. If a solution is not within my expertise, I ensure it is delivered by the right specialist. We recently launched the Hijacker Programme, where we co-execute with companies rather than only advising them. We actively work alongside organisations to uplift and transform them.

How have Kuwaiti businesses responded to this approach?

One of the main challenges in Kuwaiti business culture is the reluctance to openly discuss internal problems. Many organisations prefer to resolve issues internally without involving external experts. However, without engaging specialists, it is difficult to scale, attract investment or grow. In Kuwait, decisions are made quickly and businesses often aim to scale rapidly. In contrast, in the United Kingdom, there is greater emphasis on data, structure and stability. By combining these approaches, we aim to develop not only businesses but also leaders. In addition to commercial work, we contribute through conferences, hackathons, mentoring and collaborations with universities and embassies to spread awareness and knowledge.

As a young female entrepreneur and academic, receiving recognition for your leadership contributions last year at a UN event held at the UK House of Lords, how do you see your role as a leader in this field?

I believe success is never an individual achievement. It is always the result of teamwork. Everything we do is based on collaboration, shared passion and effective communication. It is not about me as an individual. It is about the people around me and the collective effort to spread the right information and create meaningful impact.

Do you see Kuwait’s youth as ready for this latest AI wave of the technical revolution?

Yes, they are. Both the public and private sectors are investing in education and innovation through competitions, hackathons and international programmes. These initiatives encourage problem-solving, leadership and innovation from an early age. Many young people are already turning ideas into businesses after graduation. What they need is guidance, support and encouragement. Kuwait is moving in the right direction because the mindset is evolving alongside the tools.

Which sectors in Kuwait are leading in artificial intelligence adoption?

The healthcare sector and the food and beverage sector are leading. In healthcare, artificial intelligence is being used in diagnostics, reporting and advanced medical systems. I also founded a start-up called Salama, a rapid emergency medical response application developed with Dr. Madona Ghanem. The application connects healthcare, defence and interior ministries into one platform. It enables users to request emergency assistance through a single action, addressing challenges related to location, language barriers and response time. The initiative was adopted and integrated into other national applications, which is a positive outcome.

Finally, how do you see Kuwait’s future?

The future is brighter and better. Everything depends on execution, mindset and choosing the right people. Technology must be implemented with purpose and proper execution. When individuals and organisations operate with the right mentality, progress follows naturally.