KUWAIT, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Representing His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei said the International Invention Fair in the Middle East is a prestigious platform that highlights Kuwait's commitment to supporting innovation and scientific research.
The minister made the press statement on the occasion of the closing ceremony of the 15th edition of the International Invention Fair in the Middle East, held under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince.
Kuwait Scientific Club announced winners of the fair late Wednesday.
Al-Tabtabaei commended the outstanding organization and the high-caliber participations, emphasizing that Kuwait takes pride in its leadership in fostering innovation.
He added that the efforts exerted by the Kuwait Scientific Club reflect a distinguished image of Kuwait and honor the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince, expressing appreciation for the scientific achievements of the inventors, which deserve recognition and support.
The minister stressed that the awards were granted based on the scientific and practical value of the inventions, reaffirming the Ministry of Education's commitment to supporting Kuwaiti inventors and enhancing cooperation with the Kuwait Scientific Club and other relevant institutions to provide an enabling environment for innovation.
He underscored the importance of continuing such scientific events, which contribute to building a creative generation capable of achieving sustainable development and elevating Kuwait's status on the global stage.
For his part, Chairman of the Kuwait Scientific Club and President of the Fair's Supreme Committee, Talal Al-Kharafi, said that the exhibition has evolved into a global platform for creativity and innovation, bringing together brilliant minds from around the world to present their inventions and share their visions in service of humanity.
He noted that throughout the exhibition, remarkable stories of inspiration emerged, showcasing how human intellect, when nurtured and supported, can overcome challenges and create transformative solutions.
Al-Kharafi emphasized that honoring scientists and inventors is more than just recognition; it serves as a message that science is the guiding light and the weapon to face future challenges, adding that no society can advance without valuing its scholars.
He reaffirmed that the Kuwait Scientific Club remains committed to fostering innovation, believing that invention is the key to progress and development, and that investing in minds is the most valuable and enduring investment.
Al-Kharafi also expressed appreciation for the participation of the Arab League and its affiliated organizations in the fair for the first time, emphasizing their role in supporting youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Arab world.
He extended his gratitude to His Highness the Crown Prince for his gracious patronage of the event, as well as to Minister Al-Tabtabaei for attending and honoring the award winners. He also thanked the strategic partners and all supporting entities from both the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Ambassador Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the GCC states place great emphasis on supporting Gulf youth across various fields, including innovation and invention, as they are the cornerstone of the region's future.
Al-Budaiwi explained that the participation of the GCC General Secretariat in this event and the allocation of three awards for Gulf innovators reflect the council's commitment to fostering creativity and encouraging inventors to develop solutions that contribute to sustainable development.
He pointed out that promoting innovation is a key pillar of the GCC's vision to advance a knowledge-based economy.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the fair serves as a vital platform for Gulf inventors to showcase their innovations, engage with investors, and connect with key stakeholders, thereby transforming creative ideas into successful practical projects that drive progress in the Gulf region.
He further stressed the importance of continued cooperation among GCC countries in supporting scientific research and innovation, expressing his appreciation for the organizers of the fair for their efforts in making the event a resounding success.
The event featured participation of 180 inventors from 42 Arab and foreign countries, who showcased 230 inventions across various scientific fields.
The grand prize of the exhibition was awarded to Mexican inventor Alejandro Miranda Guerra in recognition of his outstanding innovation.
The Kuwait Scientific Club Prize went to Russian inventors Alexander Alekseevich Kolyshkov and Marshal Stepanovich Vitril, while the Geneva International Invention Exhibition Prize was awarded to Iranian inventor Shahriar Mohammad Nazari.
The first prize of the GCC Patent Office, affiliated with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), was awarded to Saudi inventors Khulood Al-Muqrin, Dalal Al-Mutroudi, Al-Jazi Al-Qadi, and Islam Mohammad from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
The second prize went to Qatari inventor Youssef Al-Horr, while Saudi inventor Hasel Mohammad Al-Asmari secured third place.
For the first time this year, the General Secretariat of the Arab League Prize was awarded to Saudi inventors Hajo Idris Khaled Hassan and Osama Al-Daghri from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.
The Arab Scientific Research Councils Union Prize was awarded to Iraqi inventors Muneer Al-Baydawi, Amjad Al-Janabi, Adel Al-Khuzaie, and Khaled Al-Bayati, while the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport Prize went to Kuwaiti inventor Bader Shafaqa Al-Enezi.
Additionally, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development Prize was awarded to Kuwaiti inventors Hanan Al-Khalifa, Hamad Al-Mansour, Tahani Al-Suraie, Anwar Al-Mutairi, Thunayan Al-Enezi, Mohammad Keshk, and Haya Al-Saleem from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR).
The Arab Labor Organization Prize was awarded to Moroccan inventors Youssef Zaarour, Hafez Krikro, and Rafiq Al-Alami.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO - Kuwait) Prize was awarded to Kuwaiti inventor Mohammad Al-Ansari, while the WIPO - International Prize was granted to Chinese inventors Maokai, Huang Xing Jing, Zao Ming, Li Shaowei, Lin Yi, and Liu Guojian.
The International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA - Kuwait) Prize was awarded to Kuwaiti inventors Mohammad Al-Enezi and Mohammad Al-Ubaidi from the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, while the IFIA - International Prize was secured by Chinese inventor Shan Wai Sheng.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Prize was awarded to Chinese inventors Ning Xiu Shen, Shan Ka Ling, Francis Wong Wing Ho Oscar, Teun Hin Min, and Tang Wing Yan in recognition of their outstanding innovations. end) oys.mt