KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently hosted its highly anticipated annual gala, bringing together employees to celebrate key milestones. The event highlighted the graduation of the ninth cohort of the Ajyal program and marked 10 years of success for the Ajyal program, the Gulf Bank Marathon, and the Women of Wisdom (WOW) initiative. Acting CEO of Gulf Bank, Waleed Khaled Mandani, joined senior executives and employees to honor these remarkable achievements.
During the event, Mandani extended his heartfelt appreciation to Gulf Bank’s employees for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. He highlighted that their collective efforts have been key to the bank’s achievements and its continued leadership in the banking sector. "The remarkable milestones we’ve achieved are a testament to the collaboration across our departments and the spirit of teamwork that defines Gulf Bank,” he stated.
Embracing innovation
Mandani highlighted Gulf Bank’s dedication to innovation, showcasing its advanced digital infrastructure, which ranks among the most advanced in the industry. He pointed out that the successful completion of the first two phases of the new core banking system has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and improved the customer experience, positioning Gulf Bank as a leader in digital banking.
Pioneering sustainability
The gala also spotlighted Gulf Bank’s progress in sustainability, including its ambitious plan to convert branches into eco-friendly spaces. The initiative started with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City branch and has since expanded to modernize several locations. Additionally, the bank celebrated the successful launch of Invest GB, a platform driven by a talented team of skilled nationals.
Strategic growth
Mandani shared updates on Gulf Bank’s strategic initiatives, including the Board of Directors’ approval of a feasibility study for transitioning to a Sharia-compliant institution. Furthermore, Gulf Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boubyan Bank for a potential merger, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to drive growth and maximize shareholder value.
A decade of success
Commenting on the event, Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager of Human Resources, expressed pride in the many accomplishments of the past decade. "We are excited to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our employees and the strong sense of unity within the Gulf Bank family. This gala is a reflection of the values and dynamic workplace culture we have built together.”
She highlighted key milestones, including the 10-year journey of the Gulf Bank Marathon, which has become a prominent community event, and the success of the WOW program, which has empowered women through monthly discussions, resulting in a 300% increase in female representation within the bank over the past decade.
The Ajyal program was also celebrated for its pivotal role in identifying young talent and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the banking sector. Targeting employees with less than five years of experience, the program enhances their understanding of banking operations, cultivates individual and institutional capabilities, and fosters a results-driven culture of excellence. This year’s gala showcased Gulf Bank’s unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee empowerment, setting the stage for another decade of excellence and growth.