KUWAIT: Throughout the first half of 2023, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) remained committed in its role as the primary sponsor of national workforce, offering favorable employment prospects for Kuwaiti graduates. Furthermore, the Bank remained dedicated to attracting exceptional young Kuwaiti talents and actively strengthening sustainability initiatives, while placing even greater emphasis on Kuwaitization within the banking sector. NBK is dedicated to upholding the highest Kuwaitization rates, in accordance with the regulations set by the Central Bank of Kuwait.
To achieve this goal, the bank is actively developing initiatives that specifically target the attraction and nurturing of local talents. The Kuwaitization strategy further reinforces NBK’s commitment to expanding efforts in attracting and retaining national talent in a sustainable manner. Commenting on NBK’s successful strategies, Emad Al-Ablani, Head of Group Human Resources at NBK said, “Throughout the first six months of the year, we maintained our relentless efforts in attracting exceptional talents and skills. We take pride in being the largest private sector institution in Kuwait, with a remarkable 75.7 percent national workforce representation by the end of the first half of 2023.
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Furthermore, we continue to uphold the highest retention rates among Kuwaiti employees, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.” “It is worth noting that approximately 83.6 percent of the total appointments in H1 2023comprised Kuwaiti citizens, highlighting our commitment to national employment. Additionally, the proportion of Kuwaiti nationals holding managerial positions increased to 62.6 percent of the total number of managers by end of H1 2023, showcasing the continuous growth of local talents in our workforce, including those who graduated in 2022,” Al-Ablani added.
“These figures emphasize our unwavering and profound conviction in our historical role and our CSR commitment to recruit and attract national talents while fostering their skill development. By doing so, we aim to empower them to become the leaders of the future. This message and these values have been consistently preserved throughout our long-standing commitment,” Al-Ablani confirmed. He further highlighted that the recruitment strategy of the Human Resources Group is focused on attracting top talents, aligning with the objectives of “New Kuwait Vision 2035”, and actively working towards increasing the employment of Kuwaiti citizens within the banking sector, thereby supporting the national economy.
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“NBK has gained widespread recognition as a leading institution in attracting employees, thanks to its reputation for prioritizing equal opportunities and fostering workplace diversity. Through comprehensive programs focused on training and developing employees’ capabilities and skills, the bank provides a solid foundation for building successful careers and preparing its people for future leadership roles within the organization. As a result, NBK has emerged as the preferred employer among Kuwaiti fresh graduates in the private sector,” Al-Ablani said. In its efforts to attract and recruit professional talents, NBK actively seeks to establish strong partnerships with both local and international universities.
By leveraging the latest applications and considering local recruitment campaigns, the bank aims to enhance opportunities for attracting employees. Furthermore, NBK has forged strategic relationships with numerous academic institutions to provide its people with professional development opportunities, ensuring their continuous growth and advancement. In a recent achievement, NBK was honored with the prestigious top recruiter award for its remarkable contributions in job creation and Kuwaitization within the GCC. This esteemed recognition was presented by the Committee of GCC Ministers of Social Affairs and Social Development.
During a career fair organized by AUM, the bank distinguished itself among all participating organizations for its exceptional efforts in recruitment and Kuwaitization. This accomplishment serves as a testament to NBK’s unwavering commitment to promoting national employment and advancing the goals of the GCC nations in these critical areas. In addition, NBK’s endeavors were recognized by the international magazine “MEED,” honoring NBK Academy as the “Best Youth Programme Initiative” for two consecutive years. Furthermore, NBK won “Best Implementation of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives” award, and NBK Rise was selected as “Best Initiative for Women in Business”.
Every year, NBK actively sponsors numerous job fairs for Kuwaiti youth, aiming to provide them with valuable information about job opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations. This consistent effort underscores NBK’s ongoing commitment to supporting young national talents and equipping them with the necessary qualifications to enter the job market and secure suitable employment that matches their skills and ambitions. Beyond its focus on employment, NBK continues to extend support to Kuwaiti youth through its sponsorship of the “TAMAKAN” program.
This program, which was recently named the “Best Project in the Private Sector” by the GCC Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs, highlights the bank’s commitment to empowering and uplifting young individuals. Additionally, the bank actively promotes financial literacy and awareness among students in public and private schools through the “Bankee” program. These initiatives showcase the bank’s dedication to fostering the growth and development of Kuwaiti youth across various domains.