Gulf Bank organizes fire safety workshop with Kuwait Fire Force to raise security awareness and fire prevention
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting safety awareness, Gulf Bank recently organized a fire safety awareness workshop for its employees, in collaboration with the Kuwait Fire Force.
The session was led by Major Mohammed Aseeri from the General Department of Public Relations and Media, who addressed several key topics related to safety procedures, emergency response strategies, and fire prevention methods in enclosed spaces.
The workshop covered essential information about the most common causes of fires and how to prevent them. It also highlighted the proper actions to take in the event of a fire until emergency teams arrive on site. Emphasis was placed on the importance of quick and informed responses, as well as the correct use of safety equipment available on the premises.
This initiative reflects Gulf Bank's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, while enhancing employee awareness on how to respond effectively in emergency situations, in collaboration with official safety authorities.
Towards the end of the session, Gulf Bank presented a commemorative plaque to the representatives of the Kuwait Fire Force, in recognition of their crucial role in protecting the community and their courageous efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
Gulf Bank aims to be Kuwait's leading bank, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace to deliver exceptional customer service while contributing sustainably to the community. Through its extensive branch network and innovative digital services, the Bank empowers customers to conduct banking transactions conveniently and efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience.
In alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, "New Kuwait," and its commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships, Gulf Bank is dedicated to driving robust sustainability initiatives across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. The Bank is committed to implementing strategically selected and diverse sustainability programs both internally and externally.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
39 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
Infant Passes Away After Mid-Flight Birth on Korean Plane
Newborn Delivery During Mid-Air Journey A baby boy was delivered aboard a Jeju Air flight traveling from Clark International Airport in the Philippines to Incheon Airport in South Korea. The aircraft was scheduled to land at Incheon around 6:21 a.m. on Sunday. Tragically, the newborn lost his life before the plane reached its destination, as confirmed by the Incheon International Airport Police Corps. Emergency Response and Outcome At approximately 6:44 a.m., a distress call alerted emergency services that the baby was not breathing. First responders quickly arrived at Incheon Airport, but by the time they reached the scene, the infant's heart had already stopped. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. Family's Travels and Background The mother, a Filipino woman in her 30s, had been traveling with her husband, mother-in-law, and daughter during the flight when the incident occurred. Investigation into the Infant's Death Incheon Authorities Probe Incident Officials from Incheon Airport are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the mid-flight birth and trying to determine the cause of the infant's death. Jurisdiction and Legal Framework Under international aviation law, incidents occurring aboard an aircraft are subject to the regulations of the country where the plane is registered. Since Jeju Air is a South Korean-registered airline, South Korean authorities are handling the case. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel for latest news
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Executive education: Accenture's Abir Habbal on preparing AI-savvy leaders
Image: Supplied The AI revolution isn't coming — it's already here. But for most business leaders, bridging the gap between AI hype and actionable strategy remains a challenge. Enter the Generative AI Scholars Programme, a joint initiative by Accenture and Stanford University, now being rolled out across the Middle East. In this interview, Abir Habbal, Data and AI Strategy & Consulting lead at Accenture in the Middle East, explains what makes this programme more than just another executive course. From bite-sized modules grounded in Stanford's academic legacy to real-world applications tailored for the region's ambitious digital visions, this programme is designed to turn C-suite curiosity into capability. Habbal also shares why the UAE and Saudi Arabia are ideal launchpads, highlights the top misconceptions around AI adoption, and offers a glimpse into the real business impact already emerging from this new generation of AI-savvy leaders. In your view, what role can executive education like this play in accelerating the region's digital transformation — and what's still needed to close the gap between ambition and impact? Executive education programmes are instrumental in accelerating the Middle East's AI transformation by comprehensively equipping leaders for the AI era. They are crucial for building AI-literate leadership, empowering decision-makers across the GCC to not only understand AI's potential but also to strategically apply it within their organisations. This involves a fundamental shift in mindset: moving from viewing AI purely as an IT function to recognsing it as a catalyst for business model transformation and sustainable growth. By fostering AI fluency, these programmes bridge the communication gap between the c-suite and technical teams, enabling more productive dialogues and streamlined decision-making, which is vital for the region's ambitious national AI strategies. However, to fully close the gap between this ambition and tangible impact, several critical elements are still needed. Beyond leadership, there must be a broader investment in role-based AI training across all levels of the workforce, ensuring everyone understands how AI integrates into their daily tasks and contributes to organisational goals. Furthermore, the emphasis on responsible AI must be woven into the fabric of every initiative, with clear governance models addressing data privacy, bias, and transparency from inception, as this builds crucial trust for widespread adoption. Ultimately, sustained success hinges on a commitment to scaling what works, fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, and aligning AI innovation directly with national economic diversification and digital transformation priorities across the region. There's growing awareness of AI across industries — but a notable gap when it comes to implementation. What are the most common misconceptions or barriers you see among business leaders trying to adopt AI? Despite high awareness, a significant gap exists between AI understanding and real-world implementation among business leaders. Accenture's research highlights that while 84 per cent of c-suite executives believe they must leverage AI to achieve their growth objectives, only 15 per cent feel their organization is truly ready to scale it. The most common misconceptions and barriers include: Uncertainty about where to start: The rapidly evolving AI landscape makes it challenging to differentiate hype from achievable business value. Lack of leadership alignment: If c-suite leaders (CIO, CFO, CHRO) don't operate from a shared understanding, AI initiatives often stall at the pilot stage. Organisational unreadiness: Many businesses lack the foundational data infrastructure, skilled talent, or robust governance frameworks needed for responsible AI scaling. As Accenture's research indicates, 70-80 per cent of AI initiatives never move beyond the pilot phase, and while many focus on technical capabilities, successful AI implementation is predominantly a people and process challenge. Misconception of AI as purely an IT initiative: Leaders often fail to see AI as a core strategic imperative for growth, innovation, and competitiveness, viewing it simply as a technological tool rather than a catalyst for business model transformation. Risk avoidance over responsible risk-taking: Concerns around ethics, trust, and governance, while valid, can lead to a paralysis of innovation if not balanced with a strategy of embracing innovation with built-in guardrails and responsible AI practices from day one. Lack of clarity on ROI: A significant barrier is establishing ROI on identified opportunities and making a business case for scaling initiatives, which are often perceived as more challenging than technical limitations Can you walk us through what makes this programme distinct from other executive education offerings — particularly in how it blends Stanford's academic insights with real-world application? The programme includes easily digestible, bite-sized modules, industry spotlights, case studies, and reflection activities, ensuring participants not only grasp complex concepts like technical fundamentals, foundation models, and prompt engineering but also develop the generative AI strategy and technology know-how for real-world application. This approach aims to spark reinvention agendas that can profoundly transform businesses, enabling leaders to drive innovation and navigate the digital economy effectively. Why was the Middle East chosen as the next region for the rollout of this programme, and how has the regional business landscape influenced its evolution or delivery? The Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as prime focus for the rollout of programmes like the Generative AI Scholars Program due to the country visions and their unparalleled ambition and strategic commitment to becoming global leaders in AI. This region is not merely adopting AI; it's actively leading its development and integration into national visions. Both nations are making substantial financial commitments to AI infrastructure, research centers, and digital ecosystems. This includes significant government-backed AI R&D funds, free zones offering incentives for AI businesses, and partnerships with global cloud technology organisations. The region is not just investing in technology but also in building a modern digital core, which Accenture sees as essential for continuous reinvention and for organisations to rapidly seize every opportunity presented by AI. Recognisng that technology adoption requires human capital, these nations are heavily investing in developing AI fluency across their workforces, from top leadership to technical teams. We are working with MCIT Saudi Arabia in an Accenture artificial intelligence training programme organised by the Accenture LearnVantage Academy. These programmes directly address human capital requirements by equipping senior officials and business leaders with the mindset and skills needed to lead with AI responsibly. As the programme moves from theory to action, what kind of real-world business outcomes are participants expected to achieve? Can you share any early examples from previous rollouts globally? The expected real-world business outcomes are centered on driving measurable value and competitive advantage. Accenture identifies these outcomes as broader and more strategic than just cost savings. Participants are expected to achieve: Enhanced decision-making: AI tools help leadership teams make faster, more informed decisions, leading to improved strategic agility. Increased employee productivity and empowerment: By leveraging AI, leaders can free up time for their teams to focus on high-impact work rather than being buried in manual analysis or reporting. This contributes to a positive human-AI relationship, which Accenture believes is a key priority for leaders. Tangible business impact: Strategies informed by AI insights are expected to translate into winning new business, improving customer satisfaction, and accelerating the launch of initiatives. Accenture's AI Achievers report indicates that 63 per cent of high-performing companies say they've already achieved measurable ROI from their AI investments within three years. Accelerated organistional agility: AI helps organisations react faster to market changes, or spot opportunities we would've missed before, fostering a state of continuous reinvention. Business model transformation: Rather than just incremental gains, organizations are expected to achieve step-change improvements in revenue, efficiency, and customer experience by integrating AI effectively, as leaders rethink how digital systems are designed, how people work, and how they create products and interact with customers. Innovation at scale: The programme aims to unlock creativity and accelerate progress, sector by sector, by empowering people to reimagine what's possible with AI.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Vertical farming in the UAE: Fresh, clean, and grown by code
In a country better known for sand dunes than salad bowls, something quietly radical is growing behind glass walls. Inside brightly lit, climate-controlled farms, tomatoes ripen untouched by pesticides, and lettuce flourishes in vertical towers; no soil, no sunlight, no tractors. This isn't traditional farming; it's agriculture reimagined for the 21st century. No dirt under your nails. No crop seasons to worry about. Just smart tech feeding smart cities. Once dismissed as futuristic novelties, vertical farms are now rising in malls, warehouses, and hotel rooftops across the Emirates. They're feeding more than just a population — they're feeding a movement for cleaner, smarter, more sustainable food. At a time of water scarcity and climate disruption, the UAE isn't just adapting, it's innovating. As told to BTR magazine, both UNS Vertical Farms and Pure Harvest Smart Farms are reshaping how the UAE thinks about agriculture and food doesn't have to grow from the ground anymore — sometimes, it grows from innovation. And somehow — it tastes even better. Less water, more yield Ask anyone in agriculture and they'll tell you: water is everything. Which is precisely why the 90% reduction in water usage by vertical farms feels like a game changer — especially in a place like the UAE, where every drop counts. 'At UNS Farms, we run a closed-loop hydroponic system,' says Mehlam Murtaza, Executive Director at UNS Vertical Farms. 'That means water isn't lost to the soil or evaporated — it's recycled and reused. We deliver exactly what the plant needs, directly to the roots. No more, no less.' Instead of sprawling fields, UNS builds up — using vertical racks that multiply their yield per square meter. Combine that with a climate-controlled environment and you get high-output farming that's unaffected by the region's sweltering heat or unreliable rainfall. 'We've essentially engineered a micro-climate inside our farms,' Murtaza adds. 'It's about growing smarter, not just harder.' A farm without pesticides Walk through a UNS facility or Pure Harvest greenhouse, and you'll notice something odd: no chemicals. Zero. Not even the so-called 'safe' ones. For both companies, removing pesticides isn't just a marketing angle — it's a pillar of their sustainability ethos. 'We operate like we're guarding a castle,' says Sky Kurtz, CEO and Founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms. 'Our climate-controlled, closed-loop system keeps pests out. And if something does get in, we don't reach for chemicals — we bring in beneficial insects or other natural interventions.' Pure Harvest leans into integrated pest management (IPM), a method that prioritizes balance over eradication. In short, it's about working with nature rather than against it. UNS, meanwhile, takes a similarly holistic route. 'It's about early detection, sanitation, and rotating crops regularly,' says Murtaza. 'When you have full control over your growing environment, you don't need to rely on chemicals. And that's better for the planet — and for people.' Both companies back their methods with international certifications, like HACCP and ISO 22000:2018, reassuring consumers that 'chemical-free' doesn't mean 'risky.' In fact, it means the opposite. Farms in malls, not fields There's something captivating about watching lettuce grow in the middle of a luxury mall or seeing a vertical herb garden inside a five-star hotel. It's not just for show. For UNS, these collaborations are part of a larger mission: making farming visible, accessible, and even stylish. 'When we bring vertical farms into public spaces, it changes the way people think about agriculture,' Murtaza explains. 'It's not something distant or industrial — it's fresh, it's here, it's part of your daily life.' The company's green installations — whether on a mall wall or in a restaurant lobby — spark conversations and curiosity. And that's exactly the point. Pure Harvest takes a slightly different route. Rather than public installations, they connect with consumers through transparency. 'We use QR codes on our packaging so people can trace exactly where and how their food was grown,' says Kurtz. 'We share videos, behind-the-scenes farm content, and speak openly about our practices. Because people care — and they're asking smarter questions.' Conscious consumers are here to stay And those smarter questions are reshaping the market. In recent years, there's been a clear shift in the UAE's grocery habits, especially among millennials and Gen Z. No longer content with labels like 'organic' or 'fresh,' these buyers want to know the full story behind their food. 'Consumers are now willing to pay a bit more for food that's not only good for them but good for the planet,' Kurtz says. 'There's a real hunger — pun intended — for climate-conscious, zero-mile produce.' According to him, tomatoes, leafy greens, and strawberries are leading the demand for clean, local, pesticide-free food. These are everyday staples — proof that sustainability isn't just for specialty items anymore. 'We're not just selling produce,' Kurtz adds. 'We're selling trust.' Tech at the root At the heart of this movement is technology. From moisture sensors to automated nutrient dosing systems, both UNS and Pure Harvest rely heavily on smart tools to keep their farms efficient and scalable. 'Automation reduces human error and ensures consistency,' Kurtz says. 'But more importantly, it helps us grow the same quality of produce year-round, even in the brutal heat of August.' IoT systems monitor everything — light levels, humidity, nutrient balance, CO2 levels — and make minute adjustments in real time. This allows farms to optimise every input while producing 10–15 times more food per square metre than conventional farms. Kurtz calls this approach 'veridical farming'— not just vertical, but truthful. 'We don't make vague claims,' he says. 'We show the numbers. That's what our customers, our partners, and our investors want.' A national priority The UAE isn't just watching from the sidelines — it's actively supporting this new wave of agriculture. With food security ranked as a top national priority, and a goal to reduce dependence on imports, innovations in vertical and hydroponic farming fit neatly into the government's broader vision. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is seen as a long-term solution to climate stress, population growth, and unpredictable global food supply chains. And in many ways, companies like UNS and Pure Harvest aren't just riding that wave — they're helping shape it. The future is up As urban populations swell, farmland shrinks, and climate concerns intensify, the question is no longer if vertical farming is the answer—but how fast it can scale to meet growing demand. In the UAE, it's not just a futuristic experiment. It's happening now, behind glass walls, under LED lights, and in places no one expected—shopping malls, hotel rooftops, even within logistics hubs. These farms don't just grow food—they grow resilience. They bring agriculture closer to the plate, cut the carbon miles, and give consumers confidence in what they're eating. They're a quiet but powerful rebuttal to the belief that sustainable food production isn't possible in arid, resource-scarce regions. For pioneers like Pure Harvest and UNS Farms, the work is far from done. Their eyes are firmly set on the next phase: scaling up, improving affordability, expanding crop diversity, and helping the region move one step closer to food independence. But beyond the metrics and machinery, there's something profoundly human about this shift. It's about reconnecting with what we eat, about feeding growing cities without depleting the planet—and doing it with intention, intelligence, and integrity. So, the next time you're biting into a crisp local salad in the UAE, consider this: it may have never touched soil, never seen a pesticide, and never traveled more than a few kilometers. And yet, it may just be the most grounded thing on your plate. The future of food isn't out in the fields anymore. It's growing up. What's Growing in the UAE's High-Tech Farms No soil? No problem. Crisp greens and juicy tomatoes grow vertically — in towers, not fields. Soil's out, science is in. 90% less water, 100% more wow Hydroponics and closed-loop systems mean each drop is reused. It's farming tailor-made for the desert. Pesticide-free, planet-friendly No sprays, no chemicals. Just clean produce grown in sealed, climate-controlled environments. Farming without sunlight LEDs mimic daylight so precisely, plants don't miss the sun — and they thrive indoors, 24/7. Lettuce in the lobby? Yes, please. UNS puts vertical farms in malls and hotels. It's fresh, flashy, and fabulously futuristic. QR codes tell all Scan your salad — Pure Harvest lets you trace every tomato to its tech-savvy roots. Farming on auto-pilot AI, sensors, and smart climate tools run the show — ensuring perfect crops every single day. No bugs, no drama Natural pest control and integrated systems mean no creepy crawlies — and no harsh fixes. Certified clean HACCP, ISO, and Global GAP certifications mean safe food that's as trustworthy as it is tasty. Rooted in national strategy The UAE is investing big in smart farms to feed its future — no imports, just innovation.
