My passion for empowering students led me to establish several societies aimed at fostering leadership and community service opportunities.
My professional journey began as a high school chemistry teacher and an undergraduate instructor at Texas A&M University in Qatar, where I was responsible for both teaching and managing labs. This early experience in academia provided me with a deep understanding of the existing gaps within the educational system, particularly in the areas of soft skills such as interpersonal communication, leadership, and global citizenship.
Recognizing the broader need for such initiatives in Kuwait, I made a pivotal decision to shift from academia to the non-profit sector, joining the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre. Established by the Amiri Diwan, the Centre is dedicated to providing a safe space where citizens and residents of all ages can learn, grow, and contribute to society. During my tenure, I had the privilege of leading the education department, public engagement, and continuing education programs.
This experience was transformative, as I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that engaging, hands-on training can have across all age groups—from high school students to the elderly. It was here that I truly embraced the belief that learning and development transcend age; they are universal needs, essential for everyone, regardless of their role in life.
In my current role as Education and Training Director, at IDRAK training and Consulting, I am committed to supporting institutions in developing initiatives that foster growth through mentorship, coaching, targeted learning, and more. My journey has been driven by a passion for continuous improvement and a dedication to creating opportunities for others to thrive.
IDRAK is a pioneering training and consulting firm renowned for its dynamic, hands-on approach to education and professional development. Our mission is to transform traditional learning environments into interactive, networking spaces where each participant is both a learner and a teacher. This philosophy fosters a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge flows naturally and effectively.
In my role at IDRAK, I have spearheaded the development of several signature programs. These initiatives are tailored to cultivate high-potential employees, ensuring a robust leadership pipeline for the future. Our offerings span both soft skills and technical training, with a particular focus on critical areas such as cybersecurity. We pride ourselves on our ability to cater to a diverse range of sectors, including oil and gas, finance, education, and aviation, among others.
Furthermore, recognizing the importance of globally recognized credentials, I have initiated partnerships with leading international accreditation bodies. These collaborations have enabled us to offer accredited certifications to learners across Kuwait, enhancing their professional qualifications and opening doors to new opportunities.
Through these efforts, IDRAK continues to set the standard for innovative and impactful education and training in Kuwait, empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
In addition to our comprehensive corporate training programs, I have been deeply invested in addressing educational gaps in Kuwait, particularly at the high school level. Recognizing the importance of early engagement, I have spearheaded several initiatives aimed at equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for their future academic and professional endeavors.
One of our flagship initiatives is the Kuwait Cyberchamps event, which provides a dynamic platform for students to develop and showcase their cybersecurity skills. This event not only enhances their technical capabilities but also fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness about digital security—an increasingly critical area in today’s world.
Another significant initiative is the Model United Nations (MUN) conference, which serves as a transformative experience for young minds. Through MUN, students engage in simulations of international diplomacy, honing their public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills. This event has become a cornerstone for youth development in Kuwait, offering students a unique opportunity to build their college portfolios and gain invaluable insights into global affairs.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of preparing individuals for an interconnected world, I introduced a Global Citizenship initiative at the corporate level. This program has been met with overwhelming positive feedback from participants and management alike. It covers essential topics such as global competencies, gender and cultural intelligence, adaptive and inclusive leadership, and leading diverse teams. These modules are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to thrive in a globalized environment, making them more effective leaders and collaborators in their respective fields.
These initiatives collectively contribute to bridging educational gaps in Kuwait, ensuring that both students and professionals are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and competence.
Kuwait is making commendable strides in enhancing its education system, particularly through the Ministry of Education’s support for initiatives that promote leadership, innovation, and global readiness among students. These efforts are crucial in preparing the next generation for the demands of the international market and in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, to further accelerate this progress, it is essential to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors. By creating more local initiatives that integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and internship opportunities, we can provide students with real-world experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These partnerships can offer students exposure to diverse industries, helping them to develop a hands-on understanding of business operations, innovation processes, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Moreover, fostering innovation requires an education system that not only encourages participation in competitions and programs but also embeds entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving into the curriculum. Schools should be empowered to adopt teaching methods that prioritize critical thinking, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to explore and develop their ideas in a supportive environment.
Additionally, mentorship programs can play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent. By connecting students with industry professionals, we can provide them with guidance, inspiration, and the networks they need to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. These mentors can help students navigate challenges, refine their ideas, and bring their innovations to life.
Business development and risk-taking are vital components in cultivating an innovative mindset within students, preparing them to navigate and excel in the increasingly complex and dynamic global economy. When these concepts are integrated into the curriculum early on, they transform the challenges posed by the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world into opportunities for growth and innovation.
The most significant challenge I have faced in my career occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden and widespread disruption to traditional education systems forced us to rapidly adopt digital transformation initiatives at an unprecedented pace. Everything we knew about education had to be reimagined, and we were thrust into an environment where adaptability and innovation became paramount.
One of the immediate challenges was the need to swiftly shift our education programming to online platforms. This required a complete overhaul of instructional design, as we had to ensure that our content was not only accessible but also engaging and effective in a digital format. The rapid pivot to online learning presented both challenges and opportunities—challenges in maintaining the quality of education and opportunities to explore new, innovative ways of delivering content.
Similarly, marketing strategies had to undergo a transformation. As traditional marketing channels became less effective, we turned to digital marketing to reach and engage our audience. Recognizing the need to stay ahead of these changes, I proactively enrolled in executive education courses on digital marketing strategies. This not only equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape but also underscored the importance of continuous learning and professional development.
Through this experience, I learned the value of resilience and the ability to adapt in the face of unforeseen challenges. The pandemic reinforced the need for agility in leadership and highlighted the importance of embracing change as a catalyst for growth. It also taught me that crises, while challenging, can be powerful drivers of innovation and improvement when approached with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
Kuwait has been proactive in forging partnerships with global technology companies to bring cutting-edge solutions into its educational system. These collaborations have led to the introduction of advanced educational tools and resources.
Innovation in education is a cornerstone of Kuwait’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into a diversified, knowledge-based economy. This vision clearly outlines key priorities such as building a knowledge-based economy, enhancing human capital, promoting global competitiveness, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, and supporting sustainable development. By aligning education with these objectives, Kuwait is cultivating a generation of skilled, innovative, and globally competitive individuals who will drive the nation’s economic and social development.
To remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of learning and development, we are committed to staying abreast of the latest global trends and advancements. Our approach is multifaceted and strategic, ensuring that we not only keep pace with change but also anticipate and lead it.
Firstly, we recognize that each industry has unique needs and challenges. To deliver cutting-edge content that is both relevant and impactful, we focus on understanding the specific demands of the industries we serve. This involves close collaboration with industry leaders and experts, as well as ongoing research into emerging trends and best practices. By tailoring our offerings to the precise needs of each sector, we ensure that our clients receive training and development solutions that are not only current but also highly applicable.
A key component of our success is our reliance on world-class experts who are not only knowledgeable in their respective fields but also skilled in engaging and inspiring learners. We carefully curate our network of professionals, bringing together individuals who are at the top of their game and who share our passion for education and development. These experts play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, impactful training that drives real-world results.
Being part of multiple initiatives is both a privilege and a rewarding challenge. For me, witnessing each of these initiatives come to life is a source of immense joy and personal fulfillment. The journey of creating impactful learning experiences is deeply rewarding, and seeing the positive outcomes of our efforts is one of the greatest pleasures in my work. The sense of achievement that comes from realizing the impact our programs have on individuals and communities is what keeps me motivated.
At IDRAK, our success is driven by a strong team dynamic and a collaborative culture. We believe in the power of teamwork, and this allows us to effectively plan, execute, and deliver our initiatives with the highest standards of quality. By supporting one another throughout the process, we create an environment where ambitious goals are achievable.
Effective time management is key to balancing the demands of multiple initiatives while maintaining work-life balance. Moreover, I recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s this balance that enables me to contribute meaningfully to every project while still finding time for the things that bring me joy outside of work.
Aligning my personal purpose with the organization’s mission has been a deeply fulfilling and integral aspect of my professional journey. At the core of my personal purpose is a commitment to empowering individuals through education, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for growth and development. This aligns seamlessly with IDRAK’s mission to transform learning experiences and to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Over the next five years, the education and professional development landscape is poised to undergo significant transformation, driven by several key trends that are set to redefine how we approach learning and skill development. At the forefront of these trends are personalized learning, a student-centric approach, the integration of multi- and interdisciplinary modules, project-based learning, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) across all areas of professional development.
At IDRAK, we plan to enhance our offerings by incorporating more opportunities for learners to engage in decision-making processes, choose their learning pathways, and reflect on their progress. And, To harness the power of AI, we will explore partnerships with tech innovators and invest in AI-driven tools that can augment our training programs.
My next major goal is to position IDRAK as the premier training and development partner for organizations across Kuwait. Whether a company is focused on enhancing its human capital or looking to invest in impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, I aim for IDRAK to be the first name that comes to mind. I am committed to leading IDRAK with agility and resilience, leveraging our collective expertise to navigate any obstacles that arise.
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and innovate is the most valuable skill we can cultivate. Embracing challenges as opportunities for innovation is one of the greatest catalysts for creative thinking and progress.