Yasmine Rifai serves as Microsoft’s Senior Technology Lead (CTO) for the Public Sector in Kuwait, where she leads national-scale digital transformation efforts powered by artificial intelligence. With over 15 years of cross-sector experience, Yasmine architects and accelerates national strategies that modernize public services, strengthen institutions, and build inclusive, AI-enabled futures. Her leadership spans high-impact strategic partnerships, large-scale national agreements, and complex transformation programs aligned with long-term government priorities. Known for her ability to translate technology into long-term public value, she brings a rare blend of strategic clarity and human-centered vision. Alongside her core work, Yasmine is also a published author, public speaker, and advocate for inclusion; actively shaping more equitable, accessible ecosystems across the workplace and society.
Leading Kuwait’s Digital Future with AI Innovation
At the heart of her role, Yasmine partners with ministries, regulators, and senior government stakeholders to advance Kuwait’s digital transformation with AI at the core. She plays a key role in delivering on Microsoft’s strategic public sector initiatives in the country, supporting large-scale programs that accelerate cloud adoption, modernize infrastructure, and align with national priorities such as Vision 2035. Her creative, customer-centric approach helps governments harness AI’s full potential to improve services, optimize operations, and foster sustainable growth. In recognition of her leadership and measurable impact across Kuwait’s government ecosystem, Yasmine was awarded the Platinum Club Award in 2022, one of Microsoft’s highest global honors.
Championing Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Beyond her technical leadership, Yasmine co-chairs Women at Microsoft in the Middle East and leads the Execute pillar of Microsoft’s global community accessibility program for EMEA. Through these roles, she drives initiatives that foster inclusive workplaces, expand digital access, and empower underrepresented groups across the region. In recognition of her impact, Yasmine received Microsoft’s Be the Change Award, honoring employees who lead with empathy, courage, and a sustained commitment to advancing equity and inclusion across communities and industries.
Recognized Speaker and Thought Leader
Yasmine is a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, known for her clarity, depth, and ability to bridge strategy with purpose. She regularly speaks on AI, digital transformation, and public sector innovation at high-profile forums across the Middle East and internationally.
- Featured speaker at the Taiwan IT Forum on AI-driven government transformation
- Keynote at the Fourth Knowledge Economy Forum hosted by the UNDP and Kuwait’s Supreme Council for Planning and Development
- Regional and global presence in Taiwan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, focusing on AI adoption in government, workforce development, cybersecurity, and ethical AI governance
A Strong Foundation in Technology and Leadership
Yasmine holds a degree in Computer Engineering and Informatics with distinction, complemented by advanced certifications from Microsoft, Harvard Business School, INSEAD, and other global institutions. Her learning spans AI fundamentals, organizational leadership, project management, and cloud technologies, reflecting a deep commitment to continuous growth. She began her career in software engineering and consulting, a foundation that shaped her ability to bridge technical depth with strategic vision in every role she leads today.
Commitment to Social Impact and Humanitarian Causes
Yasmine’s dedication extends beyond technology to humanitarian efforts. She founded and organized annual campaigns in Lebanon to provide winter clothing to vulnerable populations and led fundraising initiatives following the Beirut port explosion. Her proactive engagement in crisis response reflects her deep commitment to community support and social responsibility.
Leadership Philosophy: Innovation with Empathy
Yasmine believes the true power of technology, and AI in particular, is not in its intelligence, but in its capacity to reimagine how societies function and who they serve. Her leadership is shaped by a clear conviction: that the future must be built with empathy, governed by inclusion, and designed for collective elevation. She envisions AI not as a force of disruption, but as a strategic catalyst for building public systems that are sustainable, ethical, and deeply aligned with human progress.
“Harnessing AI to transform public services is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people and building inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.”
Yasmine Rifai
“Harnessing AI to transform public services is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people and building inclusive societies where everyone can thrive.”
–Yasmine Rifai
Looking Ahead: Shaping an Inclusive, AI-Driven Public Sector
As Yasmine continues to lead Microsoft’s public sector technology agenda in Kuwait, her focus remains on advancing AI as a strategic enabler of digital transformation, one that strengthens institutions, modernizes public services, and redefines how governments serve their people. Her work supports the creation of systems that are not only intelligent, but adaptive, responsive, and aligned with long-term national priorities.
Yasmine Rifai exemplifies the modern technology leader: strategic in vision, precise in execution, and deeply committed to shaping a future where AI serves not only progress, but people.
