KUWAIT, Feb 16 (KUNA) -- Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei inaugurated late Sunday the 15th edition of the International Invention Exhibition in the Middle East.
This came in the presence of Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Scientific Club and Chairman of the exhibition's Supreme Committee, Talal Jassem Al-Kharafi, along with a number of ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Kuwait.
In a press statement, Minister Al-Tabtabaei, Representing His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressed his pride in representing His Highness the Crown Prince in the opening of the exhibition, which is held under his patronage and with the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
The exhibition will run until February 19 at Al-Raya Hall in Courtyard Marriott Hotel and features 180 inventors from 42 Arab and foreign countries presenting 230 inventions in various scientific and technological fields.
The minister highlighted that the exhibition was the second largest international invention exhibition in the world and the largest of its kind in the Middle East, reflecting Kuwait's pioneering role in supporting creativity and innovation.
He added that the exhibition has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception, noting that when he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Scientific Club in 2006 and 2007, the idea for the exhibition was conceived.
The first edition started in a small tent with 12 inventors from different countries, and today, it has evolved into a major international event showcasing innovation at the highest levels.
Al-Tabtabaei credited this success to the unwavering support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled, who committed to encourage innovative projects and scientific exhibitions.
He emphasized the significance of innovation as a pillar for a knowledge-based economy, stating that empowering innovators and encouraging young minds to create is the foundation for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
"The exhibition embodies a firm commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, nurturing creative minds, and establishing a supportive environment for inventions that align with global transformations and shape a future based on knowledge and advanced technology," Al-Tabtabaei said.
He extended his appreciation to the Kuwait Scientific Club and all supporting and participating entities for their continuous efforts in sponsoring inventors and promoting a culture of creativity, wishing all participants success in making this exhibition a Launchpad for global achievements that position Kuwait among leading nations in innovation.
For his part, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Scientific Club and Chairman of the exhibition's Supreme Committee, Talal Jassem Al-Kharafi, stated in a similar press statement that the exhibition continues to expand in scope each year, highlighting that participation has grown to 42 Arab and foreign countries, including Ecuador and Nigeria, which are participating for the first time.
Al-Kharafi noted that 180 inventors from 42 countries have presented 230 inventions in diverse scientific and technical fields, expressing his pride in the international recognition and positive feedback the Kuwait Scientific Club has received for hosting this globally significant event.
He also emphasized the importance of the Arab League's participation for the first time, which adds significant value to the exhibition. The league, represented by five specialized organizations, is awarding cash prizes to winning inventors through, the Arab League's General Secretariat, the Arab Federation of Scientific Research Councils, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, the Arab Labor Organization.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Scientific Club, Ali Kazem Al-Jumaa, emphasized in a similar statement that the exhibition aims to create investment opportunities for inventors, offering them a platform to showcase their innovations to potential investors and research institutions, with the goal of turning them into commercially viable projects that contribute to economic development.
Al-Jumaa affirmed that the Kuwait Scientific Club continues to play a key role in fostering a culture of invention and protecting intellectual property rights, pointing out that since its launch in 2007, the exhibition has earned an esteemed global reputation, attracting international organizations specializing in innovation to actively participate.
He explained that the exhibition serves several key objectives, including: Providing an ideal environment for inventors to showcase their ideas and innovations to relevant stakeholders for potential development and commercialization.
Encouraging Kuwaiti inventors to present their projects locally and internationally.
Strengthening collaboration between innovators and government and private institutions to support and develop their ideas.
Al-Jumaa underscored the need to embrace the knowledge economy and keep pace with the digital revolution, wishing all participating inventors success in their endeavors.
In a similar statement, Minister Plenipotentiary Rahab Ezzedine, Director of Economic Relations at the Economic Affairs Sector of the Arab League General Secretariat, emphasized the role of international invention exhibitions in supporting innovation and enhancing scientific cooperation among nations, praising the high level of organization and extensive participation in the Middle East International Invention Exhibition.
Ezzedine conveyed the greetings of the Secretary-General of the Arab League to all participating countries, wishing success to inventors from across the world.
She highlighted that the exhibition featured over 42 countries with around 180 inventors, reflecting the scale of creativity and scientific advancement at the event.
Ezzedine pointed out that this marked the first participation of the Arab League in the exhibition, with five specialized organizations awarding cash prizes to winners.
She concluded by stressing the importance of supporting Arab inventors, fostering innovation, and promoting scientific research, while expressing appreciation for the exhibition's distinguished organization. (end) ays.mb