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RIYADH: The eight OPEC+ countries that previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023 — namely ����ֱ��, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, as well as Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman — met virtually on Nov. 2 to review global market conditions and the outlook. 

In view of a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in low oil inventories, the eight participating countries decided to implement a production adjustment of 137,000 barrels per day from the 1.65 million barrels per day of additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023. This adjustment will be implemented in December 2025. 

Beyond December, due to seasonality, the eight countries also decided to pause production increments in January, February, and March 2026, as detailed in the table below. 

The participating countries reiterated that the 1.65 million barrels per day may be returned in part or in full, subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner.  

The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their ongoing efforts to support market stability, reaffirmed the importance of adopting a cautious approach and maintaining full flexibility to pause or reverse the additional voluntary production adjustments, including the previously implemented voluntary adjustments of 2.2 million barrels per day announced in November 2023. 

The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating members to accelerate their compensation. They reiterated their collective commitment to achieving full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation, including the additional voluntary production adjustments monitored by the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee. 

They also confirmed their intention to fully compensate for any overproduced volumes since January 2024. The eight OPEC+ countries will hold monthly meetings to review market conditions, conformity, and compensation, with the next meeting scheduled for Nov. 30, 2025.   

JEDDAH: Kuwait has launched a national training initiative to equip citizens with skills in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Microsoft Copilot tools, as part of efforts to build a digitally empowered workforce.  

The “Kuwait Skills” program — launched in partnership with Microsoft and the Central Agency for Information Technology — seeks to strengthen the country’s human capital and align with the state’s “New Kuwait 2035” vision, according to the Kuwait News Agency, or KUNA. 

The collaboration expands on Microsoft’s earlier announcement in March of plans to establish an AI-powered Azure cloud region in Kuwait, a move expected to bolster national infrastructure and support the country’s ambitions to become a regional technology hub. 

Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar said the initiative reflects the government’s goal of building an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances public-sector efficiency and supports sustainable, innovation-led development. 

“He emphasized that empowering Kuwaiti professionals with advanced technical skills has become a key pillar in positioning the country as a leader in the digital and knowledge economy,” KUNA reported. 

The program, the minister added, embodies a national vision to prepare a capable generation that contributes to a modern, innovation-led economy by developing future-ready skills that foster creativity and productivity. 

“He urged all government entities to seize this opportunity to refine talents and build professional capacities, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower a generation capable of leading Kuwait’s digital transformation,” the KUNA report added. 

Microsoft’s Charles Nahas, regional general manager for the Middle East, said the program aims to train more than 30,000 employees, 4,000 technical experts, and 350 leaders on AI and cloud technologies, while enabling over 100,000 users to utilize Copilot tools through a new Center of Excellence developed with CAIT. 

He noted that the initiative represents not only training but a holistic transformation, providing access to global education, recognized certifications, and career development opportunities. 

Nahas added that the partnership is part of a shared vision to accelerate innovation, enhance cybersecurity, and expand Kuwait’s digital economy to benefit both public institutions and private enterprises. 

The program’s progress will be tracked through quarterly reports assessing training outcomes and measurable gains in digital capacity, according to KUNA.