In a pioneering initiative in the field of innovation and digital transformation, KOC signed Memoranda of Understanding with five international companies to establish the “Ahmadi Innovation Valley (AIV)"—namely Baker Hughes Energy, SLB, Weatherford, Halliburton, and National Energy Services Reunited (NESR).
The MoUs were signed on behalf of KOC by CEO Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, in the presence of several Deputy CEOs, Group Managers, and Team Leaders. The agreements stipulate that each of the five companies will establish a world-class research and development center at this new location, focused on helping Kuwait Oil Company meet challenges in the upstream sector.
On the other hand, on behalf of Baker Hughes, Amerino Gatti – Executive Vice President OFSE – signed the contract, and on behalf of SLB, Karim Al Sayed – Managing Director (Kuwait) signed, along with Jeff Miller, CEO of Halliburton Overseas, Ashutosh Panchal, Kuwait Country Director—Weatherford, and Sherif Foda, NESR Chairman and CEO.
These centers will be equipped with advanced facilities and expert teams to work on high-impact applied research projects, providing practical and scalable solutions for the oil and gas sector in Kuwait.
On the sidelines of the signing, the CEO of the Company emphasized that this initiative is not just an innovation center, but a national asset that will drive progress, enhance cooperation, and elevate the competency of Kuwait's energy sector.
Al-Eidan stated that the Ahmadi Innovation Valley is a bold step toward consolidating Kuwait's position as a regional powerhouse in innovation within the energy sector. By working with prestigious global partners, KOC is building an integrated ecosystem that contributes to achieving technological excellence, providing sustainable energy solutions, and driving progress in the oil and gas sector.
He stressed that this project aligns with KOC's long-term vision, which aims to enhance innovation and scientific research as fundamental pillars for the sector's development, knowledge transfer, and the development of national competencies. This will enable Kuwait to keep pace with global transformations while investing in advanced technologies to ensure the sector's sustainability and achieve operational excellence. The Company is committed to the future of the oil and gas sector by adopting the latest innovations, consolidating sustainability, and achieving global leadership.
In addition to technological developments, the Ahmadi Innovation Valley represents an advanced model for redefining cooperation in this industry. It introduces a new model for partnership between KOC and the world's leading oil and energy service providers. Through cooperation with the five partners, the Company is working to create a unique platform that combines expertise, innovation, and strategic planning, enabling it to effectively and efficiently address operational and technological challenges.