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Gulf Bank continues driving women's empowerment with WOW program

Gulf Bank continues driving women's empowerment with WOW program

Kuwait Times06-08-2025
KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing commitment to women's empowerment and fostering an inclusive workplace, Gulf Bank recently organized a series of events under its Women of Wisdom (WOW) program. The events, attended by numerous female leaders and employees, aimed to support women both professionally and personally. The leadership session titled 'The Elegant Power: How Women Lead with Strength and Warmth,' was held at Gulf Bank's training center in Crystal Tower. The session was facilitated by Dina Al-Waheab, a organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of DEEP Consulting and SpeakUp Kuwait.
The session focused on the importance of balancing assertiveness and warmth in female leadership by exploring the psychological and physiological factors that influence leadership behaviors. Key topics included the unique pressures women face in the workplace, the impact of mental health and hormones on leadership style, and practical tools to boost confidence and leadership presence.
Another engaging session titled 'Speak Your Brand' was delivered by renowned coach and consultant Rehab Al-Tawari, which drew strong engagement from early career employees across various departments. The session emphasized the power of personal branding in the workplace and encouraged employees to own their narratives, communicate with confidence and align their values with their professional goals. In addition, Gulf Bank launched a new wellness initiative for female employees called 'Her Balance', designed to promote work-life balance through regular Pilates Reformer and Barre sessions. This wellness experience supports both physical and mental health.
Dina Al-Waheab gives a lecture.
'Her Balance' also provides an excellent opportunity for employees to connect with colleagues beyond the workplace, fostering teamwork, inclusion and positivity within the work environment.
Speaking about the sessions, Hamed Al-Tamimi, Assistant General Manager – Human Resources at Gulf Bank said: 'At Gulf Bank, we believe that a thriving workplace culture is one where employees feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through the Women of Wisdom (WOW) program, we're creating intentional spaces for dialogue, development, and connection — empowering women across all stages of their careers to grow, lead, and shape our culture....'
He added: 'These initiatives reflect Gulf Bank's clear strategic commitment to supporting female talent and creating a healthy, motivating work environment that enhances productivity and job satisfaction. They also align with the Bank's broader efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and build a balanced, sustainable corporate culture'. Launched in 2017, the Women of Wisdom (WOW) program is a flagship internal initiative aimed at empowering women within the Bank and the wider community. It supports women's career growth and leadership ambitions through monthly gatherings that discuss topics related to work-life balance and professional development.
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Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt Achieves 35% EGP 2.6 Billion ‎ Net Profit in the First Half of 2025‎
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt Achieves 35% EGP 2.6 Billion ‎ Net Profit in the First Half of 2025‎

Arab Times

timea day ago

  • Arab Times

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt Achieves 35% EGP 2.6 Billion ‎ Net Profit in the First Half of 2025‎

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (ABK-Egypt) achieved outstanding financial results for the first ‎half of the year 2025 with net profit recording EGP 2.6 billion by the end of June 2025, ‎reflecting an increase of ‎‏35‏‎% compared to EGP 1.9 billion for the same period last year, after ‎excluding foreign exchange revaluation impact. Net interest income grew by 28% to reach EGP ‎‎3.8 billion compared to EGP 3 billion in the first half of 2024.‎ Meanwhile, total assets grew by 15% to reach EGP 163.4 billion compared to EGP 141.6 billion ‎at the end of 2024. Total customer deposits increased by 16%, reaching EGP 139.1 billion ‎compared to EGP 119.9 billion in December 2024, and total gross loans portfolio increased by ‎‎20% to reach EGP ‎‏8‏‎3.4 billion compared to EGP 69.3 billion at the end of 2024. Moreover, the ‎non-performing loans (NPL) ratio recorded 1.59% at the end of June 2025 compared to 1.74% at ‎the end of 2024.‎ Commenting on these results, Mr. Ali Marafi, Chairman of ABK-Egypt, said, 'The Bank's strong ‎performance, particularly the significant growth in total assets, demonstrates the strength of ‎our financial position and our solid operational model across key business lines. These results ‎underscore our ability to continue on our successful journey despite global and regional ‎economic turbulence.' He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Executive ‎Management and their unwavering commitment to realizing the Bank's ambitious growth ‎strategy, which emphasizes agility and innovation to ensure adapting to the evolving economic ‎landscape.‎ Marafi stated that during the first half of 2025, ABK-Egypt continued to expand its footprint ‎with the opening of a new branch in 6th of October City. This move aligns with the Bank's ‎ambitious strategy for carefully planned geographic expansion and establishing a presence in ‎prime locations to grow its customer base. He emphasized the Bank's unwavering commitment ‎to excellence and innovation as key drivers in strengthening its competitive position and ‎increasing its market share in Egypt.‎ Strategic Vision Marafi added, 'Our ambitious vision focuses on boosting our geographical presence across ‎Egyptian governorates as well as diversifying our range of products and services that meet the ‎rising needs of various customers to best attract new segments and expand our customer base.' ‎He further stated that this expansion‏ ‏agenda is a fundamental pillar for supporting national ‎directions and the Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) efforts in promoting financial inclusion, which ‎is considered a cornerstone in Egypt Vision 2030 and a catalyst for achieving sustainable ‎development goals and fostering a competitive and diversified economy.‎ Marafi stated that ABK-Egypt is continuing its digital transformation journey by introducing ‎advanced technologies within its branches and enhancing its banking solutions to serve ‎customers with the highest technical standards. These efforts, he noted, contribute significantly ‎to boosting customer satisfaction and strengthening their trust in the Bank.‎ He concluded by affirming that ABK-Egypt is fully committed to supporting and financing ‎development projects, as well as assisting national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable ‎growth across various sectors. This commitment reflects the Bank's role as a responsible ‎financial institution in the Egyptian market. Marafi also expressed his appreciation for the ‎strong support the Bank receives from CBE and all regulatory authorities in Egypt, which play a ‎key role in enhancing its performance and expanding its presence among diverse customer ‎segments.‎ Added Value In the same context, Mr. Khaled El Salawy, CEO and Managing Director of ABK-Egypt stated: ‎‎'The Bank managed to achieve EGP 3.4 billion profit before tax, representing a growth rate of ‎‎32% compared to EGP 2.6 billion for the same period last year, after excluding foreign ‎exchange revaluation impact. This affirms the Bank's efficiency in adapting to changing market ‎conditions, seizing business opportunities for growth as well as its ongoing commitment to ‎delivering added value to both customers and shareholders."‎ Khaled El Salawy added, 'Over a period of ten years marking our presence in the Egyptian ‎market, we have managed to build a strong track record of achievements in terms of revenues ‎and market position.' He primarily attributed this success to the collective efforts of the entire ‎team and the support of the Executive Management, who were keen on orchestrating efforts to ‎maximize performance efficiency and deliver innovative products and outstanding services to a ‎diverse customer base. ‎ He continued, 'We will continue on our digital transformation path to enhance operational ‎efficiency and ultimately improve customer experience. This can be attained through ‎leveraging data and advanced technologies to personalize banking services, while upholding the ‎highest standards of transparency and security in all financial transactions.'‎ A New Chapter El Salawy affirmed that ABK-Egypt is embarking on a new chapter in its journey in the Egyptian ‎market aimed at achieving more ambitious milestones for growth and development. The Bank ‎looks to the future with a clear strategy and strong vision, supported by a solid track record of ‎success. ABK-Egypt also confirms its innate understanding of the crucial impact of corporate ‎social responsibility in the development of local communities, through launching an array of ‎social initiatives across Egyptian governorates that promote economic empowerment for ‎various segments. The Bank also takes pride in supporting the development of key sectors as ‎part of its active role in driving Egypt's economic and social progress.‎ El Salawy noted that in the first half of this year, the Bank continued forging strategic ‎partnerships to deliver exclusive offers to its customers. He highlighted the launch of several ‎promotional campaigns and special discounts designed to reward customers for using the ‎Bank's diverse range of cards and solutions in completing their financial and banking ‎transactions.‎ He further emphasized the Bank's strong commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and ‎owners of small and medium-sized enterprises by providing the essential funding and resources ‎needed to bring their projects to life successfully. El Salawy also underscored the Bank's ‎dedication to developing the skills of its employees across all departments, considered a ‎cornerstone of its success and growth plans, through comprehensive training programs. These ‎initiatives aim to enhance staff performance, increase productivity and innovation, improve the ‎quality of customer service, and attract more clients to the Bank's continuously expanding ‎family.‎ New Awards On another successful note, the Bank has recently received two prestigious awards from ‎International Business Magazine. ABK-Egypt was named 'Best Corporate Banking Services Bank ‎‎– Egypt,' in recognition of its outstanding efforts in delivering innovative and integrated ‎financial solutions to its corporate customers. In addition, El Salawy was honored as 'Best CEO – ‎Egypt 2025,' in recognition of his distinguished professional career and exceptional leadership ‎capabilities that were reflected through a solid track record. This recognition reinforces the ‎pivotal role he has played since assuming the position of CEO and Managing Director of ABK-‎Egypt.‎ These accolades join a growing list of awards the Bank has earned in recent years from leading ‎performance evaluation institutions, underscoring its excellence and distinction across a wide ‎range of assessments at the local, regional, and global levels.‎

ABK–Egypt achieves 35% increase in net profit to EGP 2.6bn in H1 2025
ABK–Egypt achieves 35% increase in net profit to EGP 2.6bn in H1 2025

Kuwait Times

timea day ago

  • Kuwait Times

ABK–Egypt achieves 35% increase in net profit to EGP 2.6bn in H1 2025

Net interest income grows 28% to reach EGP 3.8 billion KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait – Egypt (ABK-Egypt) achieved outstanding financial results for the first half of the year 2025 with net profit recording EGP 2.6 billion by the end of June 2025, reflecting an increase of 35 percent compared to EGP 1.9 billion for the same period last year, after excluding foreign exchange revaluation impact. Net interest income grew by 28 percent to reach EGP 3.8 billion compared to EGP 3 billion in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, total assets grew by 15 percent to reach EGP 163.4 billion compared to EGP 141.6 billion at the end of 2024. Total customer deposits increased by 16 percent, reaching EGP 139.1 billion compared to EGP 119.9 billion in December 2024, and total gross loans portfolio increased by 20 percent to reach EGP 83.4 billion compared to EGP 69.3 billion at the end of 2024. Moreover, the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio recorded 1.59 percent at the end of June 2025 compared to 1.74 percent at the end of 2024. Commenting on these results, Ali Marafi, Chairman of ABK-Egypt, said, 'The Bank's strong performance, particularly the significant growth in total assets, demonstrates the strength of our financial position and our solid operational model across key business lines. These results underscore our ability to continue on our successful journey despite global and regional economic turbulence.' He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Executive Management and their unwavering commitment to realizing the Bank's ambitious growth strategy, which emphasizes agility and innovation to ensure adapting to the evolving economic landscape. Marafi stated that during the first half of 2025, ABK-Egypt continued to expand its footprint with the opening of a new branch in 6th of October. This move aligns with the Bank's ambitious strategy for carefully planned geographic expansion and establishing a presence in prime locations to grow its customer base. He emphasized the Bank's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation as key drivers in strengthening its competitive position and increasing its market share in Egypt. Strategic vision Ali Marafi, Chairman of ABK-Egypt Khaled El Salawy, CEO and Managing Director of ABK-Egypt Marafi added, 'Our ambitious vision focuses on boosting our geographical presence across Egyptian governorates as well as diversifying our range of products and services that meet the rising needs of various customers to best attract new segments and expand our customer base.' He further stated that this expansion agenda is a fundamental pillar for supporting national directions and the Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) efforts in promoting financial inclusion, which is considered a cornerstone in Egypt Vision 2030 and a catalyst for achieving sustainable development goals and fostering a competitive and diversified economy. Marafi stated that ABK-Egypt is continuing its digital transformation journey by introducing advanced technologies within its branches and enhancing its banking solutions to serve customers with the highest technical standards. These efforts, he noted, contribute significantly to boosting customer satisfaction and strengthening their trust in the Bank. He concluded by affirming that ABK-Egypt is fully committed to supporting and financing development projects, as well as assisting national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable growth across various sectors. This commitment reflects the Bank's role as a responsible financial institution in the Egyptian market. Marafi also expressed his appreciation for the strong support the Bank receives from CBE and all regulatory authorities in Egypt, which play a key role in enhancing its performance and expanding its presence among diverse customer segments. Added value In the same context, Khaled El Salawy, CEO and Managing Director of ABK-Egypt stated: 'The Bank managed to achieve EGP 3.4 billion profit before tax, representing a growth rate of 32 percent compared to EGP 2.6 billion for the same period last year, after excluding foreign exchange revaluation impact. This affirms the Bank's efficiency in adapting to changing market conditions, seizing business opportunities for growth as well as its ongoing commitment to delivering added value to both customers and shareholders.' Khaled El Salawy added, 'Over a period of ten years marking our presence in the Egyptian market, we have managed to build a strong track record of achievements in terms of revenues and market position.' He primarily attributed this success to the collective efforts of the entire team and the support of the Executive Management, who were keen on orchestrating efforts to maximize performance efficiency and deliver innovative products and outstanding services to a diverse customer base. He continued, 'We will continue on our digital transformation path to enhance operational efficiency and ultimately improve customer experience. This can be attained through leveraging data and advanced technologies to personalize banking services, while upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in all financial transactions.' A new chapter El Salawy affirmed that ABK-Egypt is embarking on a new chapter in its journey in the Egyptian market aimed at achieving more ambitious milestones for growth and development. The Bank looks to the future with a clear strategy and strong vision, supported by a solid track record of success. ABK-Egypt also confirms its innate understanding of the crucial impact of corporate social responsibility in the development of local communities, through launching an array of social initiatives across Egyptian governorates that promote economic empowerment for various segments. The Bank also takes pride in supporting the development of key sectors as part of its active role in driving Egypt's economic and social progress. El Salawy noted that in the first half of this year, the Bank continued forging strategic partnerships to deliver exclusive offers to its customers. He highlighted the launch of several promotional campaigns and special discounts designed to reward customers for using the Bank's diverse range of cards and solutions in completing their financial and banking transactions. He further emphasized the Bank's strong commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises by providing the essential funding and resources needed to bring their projects to life successfully. El Salawy also underscored the Bank's dedication to developing the skills of its employees across all departments, considered a cornerstone of its success and growth plans, through comprehensive training programs. These initiatives aim to enhance staff performance, increase productivity and innovation, improve the quality of customer service, and attract more clients to the Bank's continuously expanding family. New awards On another successful note, the Bank has recently received two prestigious awards from International Business Magazine. ABK-Egypt was named 'Best Corporate Banking Services Bank – Egypt,' in recognition of its outstanding efforts in delivering innovative and integrated financial solutions to its corporate customers. In addition, El Salawy was honored as 'Best CEO – Egypt 2025,' in recognition of his distinguished professional career and exceptional leadership capabilities that were reflected through a solid track record. This recognition reinforces the pivotal role he has played since assuming the position of CEO and Managing Director of ABK-Egypt. These accolades join a growing list of awards the Bank has earned in recent years from leading performance evaluation institutions, underscoring its excellence and distinction across a wide range of assessments at the local, regional, and global levels. Ali Marafi Chairman of ABK-Egypt The strong performance and significant growth in total assets demonstrate the strength of our financial position and solid operational model.

Burgan Bank renews ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification
Burgan Bank renews ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification

Kuwait Times

time3 days ago

  • Kuwait Times

Burgan Bank renews ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification

KUWAIT: In a testament to the success of the Bank's ongoing digital transformation, Burgan Bank announced the successful renewal of its International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification, reaffirming the strength of its digital infrastructure and its alignment with global best practices for information technology system management. The recertification followed a rigorous external audit, which validated the efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement of Burgan Bank's IT operations, underscoring its commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality digital banking experience. Commenting on the achievement, Barrak Al-Mattar, General Manager-Information Technology at Burgan Bank said: 'One of our main strategic goals is to lead with innovation and deliver an outstanding banking experience that is seamless, secure, and responsive to our customers' evolving needs. This requires that we remain agile and dynamic, constantly upgrading our IT capabilities to deliver a world-class experience. The renewal of our ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification is a clear indicator of the operational excellence we've built into our digital infrastructure — one that supports both customer satisfaction and long-term business growth. He added: 'Inline with the bank slogan 'Driven by You', every system upgrade and service enhancement is designed with our customers at the center –to safeguard their data, earn their trust, and empower their ambitions.' The ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 certification adds to Burgan Bank's growing list of global certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001: 2022 Information Security Management Systems certificate (ISMS), ISO /IEC 27701:2019 Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS), ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management (BCMS)and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS). Burgan Bank remains one of the few financial institutions in Kuwait and the GCC to maintain these certifications for five consecutive cycles — a testament to its disciplined governance and operational rigor. Moreover, the Bank achieved the LEED v4.1 O+M: EB Gold Certification in recognition for the green building design and architecture standards applied at its Head Office in Kuwait City, further attesting to its compliance with the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

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