logo
National Bank of Kuwait hosts group HR conference for international branches

National Bank of Kuwait hosts group HR conference for international branches

Zawya04-05-2025
Al-Ablani:
The conference aimed to strengthen strategic alignment and global cooperation across all Group HR departments.
The event reflects the Bank's commitment to fostering a unified corporate culture across all markets.
A shared dedication to building a future-ready workforce that aligns with NBK's global vision and the evolving needs of our business and clients.
Emphasis on HR operational harmony to support the Group's strategic objectives and future growth.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen integration and alignment across international markets, the Group Human Resources Division at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted a major HR conference at its Head Office in Kuwait. The three-day event brought together HR leaders from NBK's international branches and subsidiaries across 13 countries and 4 continents.
Held from April 28 to 30, the conference served as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning future strategies, and reinforcing cooperation among HR teams within the NBK Group.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from NBK's executive leadership, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the Group's overall HR strategy. Each international HR head also delivered presentations outlining their respective local strategies and initiatives.
A key component of the event was a specialized workshop titled 'Change Management', part of NBK's Career Leap project. The program also included advanced training on job design and evaluation, emphasizing alignment with global HR best practices in attracting, retaining, and developing top talent—solidifying NBK's position as an employer of choice in the banking sector.
As part of the Career Leap initiative, attendees participated in a full-day training session delivered by a leading global firm on 'Strategic Change Leadership Workshop'. The session explored dynamic change leadership practices, highlighting strategies for managing transformation in fast-evolving economic environments. It also provided tools and frameworks for adapting to organizational change, fostering agility, and navigating uncertainty through global case studies.
The conference further addressed ways to enhance the effectiveness of HR services and operations across the Group. Discussions included developing core competencies, grooming future leaders, promoting a unified organizational culture, and leveraging innovative ideas from diverse markets to drive performance. Cross-border collaboration was underscored as a critical strategy for addressing common challenges.
In a heartfelt moment, the conference honored the Head of HR at NBK Singapore on her retirement, marking 41 years of dedicated service. The recognition demonstrated the Bank's deep appreciation for employee commitment and exemplified the values of professionalism and respect that define NBK's corporate culture.
On this occasion, Mr. Emad Al-Ablani, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, stated: "We are proud to host this important conference aimed at strengthening strategic alignment and global collaboration among HR teams across all NBK international branches and subsidiaries. This event reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Group's operational goals and long-term growth."
He added:"The conference reflects the strength of our Group HR function and our collective dedication to building a high-performing, future-ready workforce that aligns with NBK's global vision to meet the evolving demands of our business and clients."
Al-Ablani emphasized that the event reasserts NBK's leadership in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while reinforcing a unified corporate culture across all operational markets.
He concluded by affirming that NBK's HR Division will continue to play a vital role in enabling the Group's strategic ambitions by focusing on human capital development, preparing professional talent to lead the Bank into the future, and cultivating an innovative, engaging, and empowering work environment. He noted that cooperation among HR teams across all geographies remains a cornerstone of NBK's continued excellence and leadership in both regional and global arenas.
NBK is recognized for its exceptional workplace culture and invests heavily in employee development. The Bank actively fosters creativity and innovation within its workforce—key drivers that contribute to its distinguished standing in the local and regional banking sector.​​​​
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE's Al Futtaim Group acquires 49.95% stake in Saudi Arabia's Cenomi Retail for Dh2.45 billion
UAE's Al Futtaim Group acquires 49.95% stake in Saudi Arabia's Cenomi Retail for Dh2.45 billion

Al Etihad

time7 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

UAE's Al Futtaim Group acquires 49.95% stake in Saudi Arabia's Cenomi Retail for Dh2.45 billion

20 July 2025 17:49 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)UAE business group — Al Futtaim Group — has acquired a 49.95% stake in Saudi Arabia's leading retail brand partner, Cenomi Retail, in a landmark deal valued at approximately Dh2.45 billion (SAR2.5 billion). The transaction, executed at SAR 44 per share, marks one of the largest foreign direct investments by a UAE private sector entity into Saudi Arabia's retail part of the agreement, Al Futtaim is also negotiating a shareholder loan of no less than Dh1.27 billion (SAR1.3 billion), which will significantly strengthen Cenomi Retail's balance sheet and support its future growth trajectory. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals, including from the Saudi General Authority for 49.95% stake was sold by Cenomi Retail's founding shareholders — Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, Abdul Majeed Abdulaziz Alhokair, Salman Abdulaziz Alhokair, Saudi FAS Holding Company, and FAS Real Estate deal not only brings significant capital but also deep operational synergies, as Al-Futtaim operates a broad portfolio of retail, automotive, financial, and real estate businesses across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It is also the exclusive regional operator for renowned fashion brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka.'This is a substantial foreign direct investment from the UAE private sector into a strategic market with strong fundamentals and a clear national vision,' said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group. 'We are proud to be investing in a company with deep roots in the Saudi retail sector and look forward to unlocking further potential.'Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, speaking on behalf of the selling shareholders, said: 'This is a transformative milestone for Cenomi Retail and our shareholders. By deleveraging our balance sheet and establishing a stronger financial foundation, we are reinforcing long-term partnerships with stakeholders and positioning the company to deliver sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder value.'He added that the entry of Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor 'unlocks significant value for all stakeholders and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.'Cenomi Retail's CEO Salim Fakhouri welcomed the partnership: 'Having Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor enables us to capitalise on their proven capabilities and further solidify our leadership in the retail sector.'Cenomi Retail is a large franchiser in Saudi Arabia operating food and retail outlets, while Al Futtaim is a private business group with operations ranging from financial services to real estate and retail in the UAE. Lazard acted as exclusive financial advisor to Cenomi Retail, while Al-Futtaim was advised by J.P. Morgan.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, attends the closing ceremony of Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, attends the closing ceremony of Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs

Zawya

time10 hours ago

  • Zawya

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, attends the closing ceremony of Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs

FUJAIRAH, UAE: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the closing ceremony of the third and final phase of Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs. He emphasised the importance of empowering youth and young generations with technological tools and digital knowledge, viewing them as essential to realising Fujairah's future vision and promoting comprehensive and sustainable development. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also attended the graduation ceremony of the students who participated in the final phase of the initiative, which was launched in April 2025. Fujairah Young Techpreneurs is an initiative organised and overseen by the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, in collaboration with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) H.E. Eng. Mohammed Hamza Al Qasim, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, was also present at the ceremony. Furthermore, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also underlined the significant attention Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, places on investing in people and empowering future generations, including both youth and children across various fields. He also emphasised the importance of preparing technically and intellectually qualified national talents capable of actively contributing to Fujairah's development journey and building the nation's future while advancing the pillars of its growth. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed praised the efforts of the students who participated in the Fujairah Young Techpreneurs initiative. He also commended their excellence, strong commitment to learning, engagement, and dedication to applying technical skills through practical projects, a significant step supporting Fujairah's digital transformation journey and meeting its knowledge-based requirements. An exhibition featuring several technology projects developed by students across five main topics: health, tourism, education, community, and the economic sector, was also organised alongside the closing ceremony. Participants demonstrated their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, programming and entrepreneurship. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also toured the exhibition held alongside the ceremony, where students presented the results of the initiative and their interactive applications. During the closing ceremony, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, emphasised that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, focuses on empowering youth and equipping young generations with the knowledge tools that contribute to creating positive change across all vital sectors of society. He also underlined the success of the initiative in preparing a promising generation capable of leading the future in line with its evolving demands and dynamics. For his part, H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), said: "Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs is a direct translation of the visionary guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, aimed at empowering young minds and enhancing their digital competencies. It equips them with critical skills in artificial intelligence, programming, and cybersecurity. We are proud to actively contribute to the goals of this pioneering initiative through our strong collaboration with the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, reflecting our shared strategic vision to empower the next generation through innovation and meaningful collaboration." He further said, "At HBMSU, we are committed to advancing a smart learning model built on creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, one that prepares learners for success in a rapidly evolving digital world. We remain keen to support bold educational initiatives that align learning outcomes with the needs of future industries and contribute to the broader development vision of the Emirate of Fujairah and the United Arab Emirates.' Fujairah's Young Techpreneurs was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, as part of Fujairah's strategy to foster smart education, invest in young national talents and build a generation equipped with advanced technological skills to contribute actively to the future economy. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah; H.E Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, (HBMSU); Amna Al Saleh, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Curriculum and Assessment Sector at the Ministry of Education; H.E. Tariq Al Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary for the School Operations Sector; Dr. Fahad Al Saadi, Vice Chancellor for Learners Development at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University; along with several officials and families of the students participating in the initiative.

Standard & Poor (S&P) Reaffirms Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit's (ICIEC) AA- Financial Strength and Issuer Credit Rating with Stable Outlook
Standard & Poor (S&P) Reaffirms Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit's (ICIEC) AA- Financial Strength and Issuer Credit Rating with Stable Outlook

Zawya

time10 hours ago

  • Zawya

Standard & Poor (S&P) Reaffirms Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit's (ICIEC) AA- Financial Strength and Issuer Credit Rating with Stable Outlook

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) ( a Shariah-based multilateral insurer and member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has marked another significant milestone with the reaffirmation of its "AA-" long-term issuer credit and financial strength rating by Standard&Poor's (S&P), with a stable outlook. This rating remains the highest within its peer group globally. The reaffirmation underscores ICIEC's solid credit profile with robust financial strength and low credit risk. S&P expects ICIEC to continue expanding its business operations while maintaining robust levels of capital adequacy, exceptional liquidity buffers, and steadily increasing profitability. The rating report reconfirms ICIEC's Enterprise Risk Profile (ERP) as 'strong' under S&P's Multilateral Lending Institutions (MLIs) criteria, underpinned by the corporation's supportive shareholder base, strong Preferred Creditor Treatment (PCT), and unique policy role of conducting all business in a Shariah-compliant manner. Moreover, for the second year, S&P assesses ICIEC's Financial Risk Profile (FRP) as 'very strong' under its insurance criteria, as ICIEC's capital adequacy shows a significant buffer above the 99.99% confidence level, as measured by its insurers' risk-based capital model. Additionally, the Corporation maintains exceptional liquidity, reaffirming its upscaled financial strength. ' sincerely congratulate the Member States, His Excellency the Chairman and distinguished Members of the ICIEC Board of Directors, and the dedicated Staff for their unwavering commitment and sustained achievements." said Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC. " Aligned with the IsDB Group's strategic direction, we reaffirm our deep commitment to supporting Member States through advancement of Islamic finance and key development priorities, including green financing, ESG integration, and food security. ICIEC will continue to play an integral role in implementing the Group's strategy in the years ahead." added Dr. Khalid. The reaffirmation of the "AA-" highlights ICIEC's strong financial position, prudent risk management, and sound governance practices. It also underscores the Corporation's ability to navigate complex global challenges and its commitment to supporting sustainable economic development in member states. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC). About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC): As a member of the 'AAA' rated Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 50 Member States. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an "Aa3" insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody's, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC's 'AA-' long-term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC's resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors—energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture. For more information, Visit

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store