The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced the launch of the second edition of its pioneering program, NBK RISE. This program is designed to empower women leaders and help them prepare for senior roles. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this initiative promises to be even more impactful as it seeks to cultivate the next generation of female leadership.
The event kicked off with a high-profile ceremony attended by many key figures from NBK, including Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group CEO; Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO; Mr. Salah Al-Fulaij, CEO of NBK-Kuwait; Mr. Faisal Al-Hamad, CEO of NBK Wealth; Mr. Mohammed Al-Othman, CEO of Consumer and Digital Banking; and Mr. Mohammad Al-Kharafi, COO – Head of Group Operations and IT. The ceremony also saw participation from several senior executives at the bank, all of whom expressed their commitment to advancing diversity and empowering women within the organisation.
NBK RISE is a nine-month program that blends a variety of training courses and events, in collaboration with leading global institutions like IE Business School and INSEAD. The curriculum focuses on building leadership qualities, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing strategic decision-making skills. Participants are also paired with mentors and industry experts who provide invaluable coaching and guidance. Through practical projects, they have the chance to develop and refine ideas that can make a tangible difference in the workplace.
The program is structured around several key modules to strengthen leadership skills, improve communication and interaction, and prepare participants for top-tier leadership positions. It is an opportunity for female employees of NBK, as well as trainees and representatives from other organizations involved in this year’s edition, to receive targeted development that will enable them to reach their full potential.
At the launch event, many notable figures from Kuwait’s business and public sectors also showed their support, including Mr. Hesham Al-Refae, Managing Director of Human Resources & Corporate Services at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation; Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Babtain, CEO of Ooredoo Kuwait; and Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rifai, Secretary General of the Kuwait Banking Association, among others. Their participation highlights the growing collective effort to champion women’s leadership and diversity within the region.
NBK’s commitment to diversity goes beyond just this program. In addition to offering leadership initiatives like NBK RISE, the bank is continuously working on products and services that cater specifically to female customers and entrepreneurs. This approach reflects NBK’s broader vision of promoting financial inclusion and enhancing gender equality, ensuring that women have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed in their professional lives.
By partnering with renowned universities and global training centers, NBK aims to provide an environment where women can thrive and develop their leadership skills. The bank’s ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion is part of its long-term commitment to creating a more equitable and supportive workplace for all employees.
As Mr. Isam Al-Sager aptly said, “NBK remains dedicated to building a workplace culture where women’s empowerment flourishes, providing ongoing support for their professional journey and ensuring a sustainable legacy of diversity and inclusion across its global network.” With NBK RISE, the bank is laying the foundation for a future where more women can step into influential leadership roles, driving both innovation and growth within the organization and beyond.