News & Announcements

Kuwait: NBK and SPARK Athletic Center Forge an Exclusive Partnership

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has entered into an exclusive partnership with SPARK Athletic Center, Kuwait’s premier fitness and health destination. This collaboration reflects NBK’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the banking experience by providing its customers with exceptional services and tailored offers that align with diverse lifestyle preferences.

The agreement was formalized at the SPARK Athletic Center headquarters in Shuwaikh, with Mr. Hisham Al-Nusif, General Manager of the Consumer Banking Group at National Bank of Kuwait, and Mr. Abdulmohsen Al-Babtain, CEO of Groupxen, signing on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under the terms of the agreement, NBK, in partnership with SPARK, will introduce a groundbreaking service to its customers at the start of 2025. This will include innovative offers and exclusive benefits, carefully crafted to align with their aspirations and needs.

On this occasion, Mr. Hisham Al-Nusif, General Manager of the Consumer Banking Group at NBK, remarked: “We are committed to continually enhancing convenience and excellence for our customers across all segments and age groups. By offering the finest services and exceptional offers, we aim to meet their needs, fulfill their aspirations, and deliver a truly unique banking experience.”

“We are delighted with this partnership with SPARK Athletic Center, a pioneer in the fitness industry, as it offers our customers exclusive benefits that reinforce NBK’s leadership in the banking sector,” added Al-Nusif. He emphasized that the bank is consistently looking to expand its network of partners and leverage its strong relationships with major companies across various sectors to deliver an unparalleled banking experience, offering services and benefits that elevate the lives of its customers.

He explained that customer satisfaction and delivering the best banking experience are integral to NBK's culture. He further noted that, with the extensive experience gained over decades, the bank is well-equipped to understand customer needs, assess their goals, and consistently exceed their expectations.

In the meantime, Mr. Abdulmohsen Al-Babtain, CEO of Groupxen, stated: “We are proud to partner with a leading banking institution and esteemed brand like NBK. This partnership marks a strong and exciting new chapter for SPARK Athletic Center, and we are committed to working together to raise awareness about sports and encourage the entire Kuwaiti community to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

“There is no doubt that our collaboration with NBK, a pioneer in driving tangible, qualitative advancements across various sectors, will greatly enhance our efforts to deliver SPARK's message to the widest possible audience of both citizens and residents in Kuwait,” Al-Babtain added.

Founded in 2013, SPARK Sports Athletic Center is Kuwait’s premier fitness and wellness destination, providing exceptional experiences through cutting-edge facilities, innovative programs, and a results-driven approach. Catering to individuals of all fitness levels, SPARK offers a comprehensive range of services, including advanced strength training, high-performance group fitness classes, and specialized fitness programs.

Kuwait: NBK Announces Al-Jawhara Millionaire 

In a vibrant setting with an outstanding media and public turnout, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted a special 8-hour event last Friday at Dar Sheikha Farm in Wafra. The occasion marked the announcement of the winners of the grand prize draw for both Al-Jawhara and Al-Jawhara Junior draws.

The event saw the attendance of senior leaders and officials from National Bank of Kuwait and featured a diverse array of entertainment shows, activities, competitions, and raffles. These activities garnered enthusiastic participation and engagement from the attendees.

The draw, held under the supervision of a representative from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and a Deloitte representative, resulted in Al-Jawhara account customer Bibi Hussain Ali Akbar winning the grand prize of KD 1 million. Simultaneously, Al-Jawhara Junior draw winner Rouh Hussain Ali Al-Enezi secured the grand prize of KD 10,000.

NBK set up several booths at the celebration site to highlight its premier services and products, catering specifically to its private and privilege banking customers.

On this occasion, Mr. Mohammed Al-Othman, CEO, Consumer and Digital Banking Group at NBK,  remarked: “We remain committed to rewarding our customers across all segments with an exceptional range of draws, prizes, and offers throughout the year. Our goal is to consistently deliver a superior banking experience that reinforces NBK’s leadership and competitive edge in the Kuwaiti banking sector.”

“Today, we celebrate the announcement of the millionaire of the Al-Jawhara Grand Prize Draw , alongside the winner of Al-Jawhara Junior Grand Prize Draw, in a vibrant and exceptional setting befitting this occasion. This reinforces NBK’s commitment to remaining closely connected to its customers at all times,” Al-Othman added.

He emphasized that Al-Jawhara account is a fundamental pillar of the bank’s strategy, designed to offer customers the chance to win extraordinary prizes that enhance their banking experience. It also serves as a vital tool for profit, saving, and future planning for all family members, while supporting NBK’s efforts to foster a culture of savings and promote financial inclusion.

Al-Othman highlighted that NBK has increased the total prize value of Al-Jawhara Account to reach KD 5 million annually since the start of 2024. He also mentioned the recent introduction of Al-Jawhara Saver Account, which offers customers guaranteed interest rate of up to 1.5% for the first year, along with the chance to enter monthly draws and the grand prize draw, provided the balance reaches KD 5,000 or more.

He emphasized that all of NBK's services, rewards, and payment solutions are developed based on thorough studies, analytical tools, and customer surveys to better understand their needs and aspirations. These insights are then used to set clear, irreplaceable goals, with the bank relying on a distinguished team of professionals and the latest global analysis tools and programs.

Since the beginning of 2023, NBK increased total prize pool for Al-Jawhara account draws, establishing it as the largest draw program in Kuwait. The draws include a weekly prize of KD 20,000, a monthly prize of KD 125,000, and a grand prize of KD 1 million, awarded three times annually.

Kuwait: NBK Celebrates Most Valued Team Players and Most Collaborative Teams of 2024

Aligned with its corporate culture and strategy of valuing employee contributions and fostering a positive work environment, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) honored its Most Valued Team Players (MVP) and Most Collaborative Team (MCT) for 2024. The recognition spanned Kuwait, international branches, and for the first time NBK Wealth, celebrating their outstanding achievements and dedication throughout the year.

The Bank's executive management presented the “MVP” and “MCT” awards for 2024 to the winners, aiming to inspire continued dedication and exceptional performance to uphold the bank's leadership locally and regionally. A total of 79 employees and 32 teams from various departments locally have been awarded for their outstanding contributions, along with NBK Wealth.

NBK’s International Branches have also taken part in this initiative, nominating MVPs and MCTs in their respective locations.

This group-wide recognition program is based on peer-to-peer voting. Winners were considered by their peers in the same group for their teamwork spirit, engagement, communication, effectiveness, transparency, contribution to the team and division, and overall positive impact on the group.

The executive management commended the dedication, commitment, and efforts of the bank's employees, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that consistently drives the bank's success. This collaborative spirit empowers NBK to provide banking services that meet international quality standards.

This recognition underscores the bank's commitment to its human resources, reaffirming its dedication to providing comprehensive support that enhances employee performance and contributes to elevating the quality of services and products NBK delivers to its customers.

On this occasion, Mr. Emad Al-Ablani, General Manager - Head of Human Resources Group, stated: “We are committed to celebrating our outstanding employees every year, recognizing the crucial role they play in NBK's ongoing achievements at local, regional, and international levels. We continuously strive to motivate and appreciate their efforts and contributions, as this forms an integral part of NBK's thriving work environment and culture of sustainable performance.”

“This recognition is a cornerstone of our corporate culture, reflecting the bank's commitment to appreciating the efforts of its talented workforce. It boosts employee morale, encourages the generation of new and innovative ideas, and reinforces their sense of being a vital part of the organization’s success. This, in turn, deepens their loyalty and connection to the bank, while further bolstering NBK’s standing as the leading work environment in Kuwait’s private sector,” he added.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we continually invest in human capital and work to enhance the capabilities of our workforce at all levels within the group. We achieve this by designing and implementing training initiatives, workshops, and educational programs aimed at boosting their skills and competencies. We proactively analyze our training needs, aligning them with future business transformations, and focus on refining and enhancing our employees' abilities to ensure they are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of our industry,” Al- Ablani emphasized.

He highlighted that NBK provides a unique work environment that promotes continuous professional development, utilizing all available resources to facilitate employee growth. The bank is committed to fostering creativity, motivating employees to strive for excellence, and creating opportunities for career progression and future leadership roles.

Al-Ablani explained that teamwork is the key driver behind the bank's success, as it facilitates the exchange of ideas and experiences among employees, leading to diverse perspectives that contribute to making more informed and well-rounded decisions. He emphasized that NBK will continue its initiatives aimed at energizing its workforce, firmly believing that the bank's sustained excellence relies on having qualified human resources with high professional competence.

The MVP awards stand out as a unique initiative, where employees have the opportunity to nominate colleagues within their own departments or teams whom they deem the most valuable. These outstanding individuals are subsequently honored and rewarded by NBK's senior management, with their efforts celebrated through special ceremonies held for each of the bank's divisions.

Voting is conducted through a digital poll, allowing each employee to cast their vote for colleagues they consider deserving of the MVP award. Award recipients are presented with a certificate from senior management during a ceremony organized by the bank, with executive management in attendance.

Kuwait: Al-Marzouq: NBK’s Founding Values Have Cemented its Role as a Cornerstone of Kuwait’s Financial Sector

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) officially launched a series of panel discussions featured in the sixth edition of the "TAMAKAN" program. Organized by Creative Confidence under NBK’s patronage and strategic support, the program facilitates meaningful dialogue between the bank’s executive management and the participating trainees.

The program featured Mr. Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, Deputy CEO at NBK-Kuwait, who shared his extensive experience with Kuwaiti youth, shedding light on the key milestones of his career that led to his senior leadership role at the country’s largest banking institution.

During his session with the "TAMAKAN" program trainees, a platform dedicated to training Kuwaiti university graduates, Mr. Sulaiman Al-Marzouq reflected on the most significant challenges he encountered throughout his journey of dedication and achievement. He also shared invaluable advice to inspire and guide participants in building a successful and impactful career.

From Branch Management to Leadership

Al-Marzouq opened the panel discussion by engaging with the trainees, learning about their academic specializations, and then delving into the key stages of his professional journey. Reflecting on his path, he shared: “I initially pursued engineering during my university studies before transitioning to economics, eventually graduating from a university in the United States. Upon returning to Kuwait, I began my career at NBK, starting in branch management. This role marked a pivotal turning point in my career, as it provided invaluable insights into the banking cycle and honed my ability to engage with customers and address their needs—an essential aspect of branch operations, where customer service remains the cornerstone of success.”

Al-Marzouq continued, stating: “Following my time in branch management, I was offered roles in three different departments. However, I chose to join the treasury department, as it provides essential skills and experience vital for anyone in the banking sector. The treasury serves as a critical link between the bank and both local and international financial markets, demanding swift and informed decision-making. I dedicated 12 years of my career to this dynamic and pivotal department.”

“Working in the treasury department deepened my passion for banking and instilled a boldness in me to take on greater responsibilities. For me, earning a high salary was never the primary goal; my focus was on developing my skills, learning quickly, and shouldering more responsibilities. Ambition requires boldness, and one should never fear making mistakes, as mistakes are crucial to learning and personal development. They are often the first step on the path to success. However, the key is not to repeat the same mistake,” Al-Marzouq added.

Career at the Central Bank

Reflecting on his transition from the private sector to the public sector, Al-Marzouq remarked: “After 12 years in the treasury department at NBK, I embarked on a new chapter at the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The nature of the work differed significantly, as the CBK serves as a regulatory authority responsible for issuing the policies and legislation governing the banking sector. However, this experience proved invaluable, equipping me with a wealth of skills and a deep understanding of regulatory and administrative frameworks."

He emphasized that the CBK stands as a cornerstone institution for the operations of local banks, housing seasoned bankers whose extensive expertise plays a pivotal role in bolstering confidence in the local banking sector and Kuwait’s economy as a whole.

NBK offers the best work environment in the private sector

Al-Marzouq highlighted how his tenure at the CBK enriched his expertise and strengthened his standing in the banking sector. He revealed that he received three job offers from various banks but chose to return to NBK due to its unparalleled and exceptional work environment, which he described as the best among all private sector institutions in Kuwait.

Al-Marzouq emphasized that working at NBK is the ideal choice for anyone driven by passion and ambition to ascend to top leadership positions. He praised the bank's exemplary work environment, which rivals that of leading international institutions and companies, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. He also highlighted NBK's commitment to continuous professional development, offering its employees—especially recent graduates—world-class training programs in collaboration with prestigious educational institutions, both locally and globally. 

Al-Marzouq highlighted that NBK's enduring distinction lies in its adherence to regulations and values that have been ingrained since its founding in 1952 by a group of prominent Kuwaiti merchants. Over the decades, these principles have cemented NBK's position as the cornerstone of Kuwait's financial landscape and one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the region.

“Amid the rapid advancements in the banking industry driven by modern technology and artificial intelligence, training programs have become indispensable for enhancing employee capabilities and workforce efficiency. At NBK, fostering a culture of training and development is a cornerstone of its strategy, rooted in the belief that employee excellence directly translates into superior service quality for its clients,” Al-Marzouq stated.

Teamwork

Al-Marzouq underscored the vital role of collaboration and teamwork, stating: “Teamwork forms the foundation of any organization’s success. It fosters mutual growth among team members through the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences, and skills. This dynamic not only enhances performance and boosts productivity but also drives diversity and innovation, which are essential for sustained progress.”

He emphasized that mutual motivation among colleagues and recognizing each other's achievements play a crucial role in uplifting team morale, bolstering confidence, and fostering commitment. “Success is never a solitary journey," he remarked, "but rather the outcome of teamwork and collaboration among all employees.”

Key Drivers of Success and Excellence

Al-Marzouq offered advice to the trainees in the "TAMAKAN" program, emphasizing to the Kuwaiti youth: “Anyone who aspires to advance in their career must put in extra effort and seek more responsibilities, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to handle them. Managers value proactive employees who bring innovative ideas, a passion for their work, and a strong ambition for growth.”

Al-Marzouq also advised the trainees to select a work environment that fosters creativity and innovation at the outset of their careers. He emphasized that the private sector operates on profitability and requires employees who add significant value to the organization. Therefore, he urged each individual to define their goals and choose a career path that aligns with those objectives.

He stressed the importance of not rushing promotions, as they can lead to burnout if an individual is not prepared or qualified for the new role. He emphasized that the key to success lies in focusing on skill development and being ready to seize the right opportunities at the right time, which benefits both the employee and the organization.

In response to a question from one of the trainees about how to achieve career development, Al-Marzouq advised: “Always seek feedback from your colleagues and manager, and use their insights as opportunities to improve your performance and enhance your skills. Learn from the experiences of others, benefit from the advice of those with expertise, and set clear, specific goals for yourself, working diligently to achieve them.”

Al-Marzouq encouraged young people to be patient and advised them not to leave their workplace due to issues with a single individual in a managerial role or within their work team. He emphasized the importance of having a clear plan and goal, explaining that career decisions should be based on the pursuit of these objectives, rather than being influenced by transient factors.

He emphasized that the labor market is highly competitive across all sectors, requiring ambitious individuals to focus on developing the necessary skills and gaining the expertise needed to build a successful and sustainable career. He also highlighted that the "TAMAKAN" program offers a unique experience, providing fresh graduates with the opportunity to forge a bright future and become a valuable and effective part of the Kuwaiti economy.

It is worth noting that the "TAMAKAN" program is designed to enhance the personal skills essential for entering the workforce, while also inspiring Kuwaiti youth to explore their potential, harness their energies, and unlock their creativity.

The program adopts a blended learning approach, combining in-person and online training through electronic platforms and interactive tools for distance education. It covers a range of themes and workshops, including creativity and innovation, design thinking, business model development, career exploration, and strategies for mitigating risks.

NBK is dedicated to advancing the country's strategic agenda by bolstering the private sector and contributing to the nation's development plans, aligning with the long-term objectives set forth in Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait”.

Valuable Insights

During his meeting with the trainees of the "TAMAKAN" program, Al-Marzouq shared a set of invaluable insights to guide them toward excellence, progress, and a successful career, including:

- Success is not an individual journey but the outcome of collaboration and teamwork.  

- Mutual motivation boosts morale and enhances team spirit.

- Don’t rush promotions unless you are fully prepared and qualified.

- Listen to the advice of those with experience.

- Seek out additional responsibilities and take the initiative to propose innovative solutions.

- Always focus on the value you bring to the organization.

- Continuously develop your skills and be ready to seize opportunities when they arise.