Latest News from Daily Tribune
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
NBB Named Best Bank in Bahrain at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025
And Additionally Recognised for Outstanding Leadership in ESG and Corporate Responsibility The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has been named Best Bank in Bahrain at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence for its standout financial performance, digital transformation initiatives and customer centric approach throughout the past year. The Bank was also honoured as Best Bank for ESG and Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, reaffirming its role as a national leader in responsible banking and meaningful community investments. Commenting on the occasion, Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer of NBB stated, 'The recognition as Bahrain's Best Bank is the result of a focused strategy, with execution rooted in robust governance, innovation-led banking, and a pledge to contribute to national development. We continue to build on our legacy by enhancing client offerings through digitalisation, integrating sustainability into our business at every level and expanding regionally. These awards reflect the collective efforts of our team, who remain passionate about pursuing excellence across all aspects of the NBB Group's operations." For his part, Ben Naylor, Global Head of Research at Euromoney, remarked, 'NBB achieved strong growth with a 7% rise in assets and 11% increase in profits. The Bank advanced its digital transformation agenda, expanded sustainably, and launched Bahrain's first Bitcoin-linked investment product. Strategic execution boosted lending by 16%, while its continued emphasis on sustainability and innovation is helping reshape Bahrain's banking sector. NBB's diverse initiatives encompass CSR, employee engagement, and community support. In 2024, the Bank backed vulnerable groups, supported youth sports and education, launched a donations fund for urgent needs, and led notable environmental efforts. They also inaugurated a LEED Platinum-certified branch, launched a new Sustainable Management Committee, and recorded major energy and emissions reductions, demonstrating a firm commitment to ESG principles. These efforts were complemented with the financing of key social infrastructure, leading Bahrain's first sustainability-linked interest rate swap, advancing sustainable finance and governance standards.' The Bank's innovation-driven ethos remained a defining strength throughout the year, with an 84% increase in newly onboarded retail customers via digital channels and a 23% increase in digitally registered users. NBB launched a host of solutions that serve the dynamic needs of its business as well as consumer banking segments. Further expanding its consumer banking proposition to cater to younger customer demographics, the Bank introduced the Yalla Family Account. The product is offered as part of the NBB Digital Banking app to instil responsible spending habits among the youth, while allowing parents to onboard their children and manage their accounts directly through the digital experience. Staying ahead of the trends shaping global financial markets, NBB also introduced the GCC's first Bitcoin-linked structured investment product. The offering is designed for accredited investors and provides them with capital-protected exposure to Bitcoin's performance, thereby marking a pioneering investment solution that combines innovation with risk management. For its business clientele, the Bank delivered DigiCorp, a revamped corporate banking platform that offers secure and efficient financial management. Complementing DigiCorp were DigiConnect, a new host-to-host integration solution designed to streamline payment and reconciliation processes for large corporates, and the Enterprise Liquidity Management Solution (eLMS), which helps clients optimise balances, pool funds from different accounts, and manage daily liquidity. Additionally, NBB Go, Bahrain's first SoftPOS (Software Point-of-Sale) solution, enabled small merchants to use their NFC-enabled Android smartphones to securely accept payments. Together, these three Euromoney Awards for Excellence further reinforce NBB's purpose-driven vision that is redefining modern banking and reinforce its position as Bahrain's leading financial institution.
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
New Civil Defence Centre Inaugurated in Riffa
His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Civil Defence Council, officially inaugurated the new Civil Defence Centre in the Riffa area this morning. The Minister was received by Chief of Public Security Lieutenant-General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Southern Governor His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. Honouring Leadership's Vision for Safety Upon arrival, the Interior Minister unveiled a commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the facility. He praised the continuous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing the Ministry's development strategy. The Minister emphasized that the new initiatives and integrated safety programs are part of a modern security framework designed to protect the public and enhance national preparedness. Commitment to Excellence and Readiness Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa commended the Civil Defence teams for their professionalism, field expertise, and dedication in responding to emergencies. He noted that their courage and commitment play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property. He also stressed the importance of equipping Civil Defence centres with the necessary manpower, machinery, and technology to ensure swift and accurate emergency response operations. The Minister underlined the significance of adhering to safety regulations and maintaining high operational standards. Public Awareness as a Pillar of Safety Highlighting the role of education and community outreach, the Minister noted that modern technology and awareness programs are essential to building a security-conscious society. He referred to the launch of the National Civil Protection Platform in November 2023 as a key national initiative to enhance disaster preparedness and public safety. Centre Equipped for Growing Urban Needs During the visit, the Minister received a detailed briefing about the capabilities of the new centre, which is designed to provide rapid and effective emergency response in light of Riffa's expanding residential, commercial, and service infrastructure. The briefing highlighted the government's 2023–2026 action plan, which prioritizes ongoing readiness for exceptional circumstances and disasters. The Ministry of Interior is committed to achieving a secure environment by reducing emergency response times and improving crisis management strategies. Notably, the new centre aims to bring emergency response time down to just 6 minutes. Modern Facilities and National Coordination Officials from the Works Directorate and the National Ambulance Service also provided briefings on the centre's facilities. The Minister toured the new premises, including the operations room, emergency vehicles area, and the national ambulance coordination unit. He concluded the visit by reaffirming the ministry's commitment to continued efforts and fast response protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both citizens and residents across the Kingdom.
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Sports and Social Insurance Bodies Explore New Avenues for National Partnership
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, welcomed Mr. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Chairman of the Board of the Social Insurance Organization (SIO). The meeting was held in the presence of H.E. Aymen bin Tawfiq Almoayed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports; H.E. Yousif bin Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs and Acting Minister of Labour; and Ms. Sahar Rashid Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Insurance Organization. S Strengthening Institutional Integration During the meeting, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised the Social Insurance Organization's efforts in developing Bahrain's social protection system and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the kingdom's insurance sector. The discussion explored avenues for cooperation and the alignment of strategic goals between both entities to enhance institutional integration and contribute to national development efforts. A Shared Vision for the Public Good Mr. Rasheed Al Maraj expressed his sincere appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Khalid for his leadership in advancing youth and sports in Bahrain. He reaffirmed the Social Insurance Organization's commitment to fostering collaborative frameworks that serve the public interest and support the Kingdom's broader developmental objectives.
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Learning Is National Investment: HH Shaikh Mohammed
• Investment in education stressed • Bayan School history preserved • Private sector role praised You Know What: Established in 1982, Bahrain Bayan School is the Kingdom's first national, non-profit, bilingual private school. Mahir Haneef TDT| Manama His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has stressed that education must remain a top priority for national investment and innovation, calling it vital to building a brighter and more prosperous future. HH made the remarks on Wednesday while inaugurating the 'Nassiyat Al Elm' project at Bahrain Bayan School, a new initiative under his patronage that seeks to document and preserve the Kingdom's private education heritage. Legacy meets vision HH Shaikh Mohammed said Bahrain's leadership, under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, places education at the centre of national development. HH highlighted the role of innovation and empowerment in equipping Bahrainis for success and praised the national workforce and private schools for their contribution to advancing the sector and shaping future generations. Bayan School honoured Founded in 1982, Bahrain Bayan School stands as a pioneering national, non-profit bilingual institution. The new project, launched on its campus, features an archive of historical documents and photographs chronicling the evolution of private education in Bahrain. HH Shaikh Mohammed toured the exhibition and commended its role in preserving the Kingdom's academic legacy for future generations. HH also praised Her Excellency Dr Shaikha May bint Sulaiman Al-Otaibi, the school's Founder and Executive Chairperson, for her leadership in raising educational standards. Support recognised HE Dr Al-Otaibi described the archive as an essential academic and cultural reference, enabling students and researchers to engage with the story of Bahrain's educational development. She thanked HH Shaikh Mohammed for his patronage and acknowledged the sponsors - National Bank of Bahrain, Al Salam Bank, GFH Financial Group, and Khaleeji Commercial Bank -for their critical support. The archive will be accessible to the public and is expected to enhance the national education landscape as a valuable long-term resource.
Daily Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and UK Strengthen Strategic Ties Through Parliamentary Cooperation
Speaker Al Musallam Reaffirms Support During Meeting with British Ambassador Speaker of the Council of Representatives, His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, has reiterated Bahrain's parliamentary commitment to enhancing the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the deep-rooted ties and growing cooperation across all sectors, made possible by the continuous dedication of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth. Expanding Bilateral Cooperation Speaker Al Musallam highlighted the House of Representatives' keen interest in advancing collaboration in all developmental sectors. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with the UK House of Commons to realize mutual goals and serve the shared interests of both nations and their peoples. His remarks came during an official meeting this morning with His Excellency Alastair Long, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Bahrain. British Ambassador Commends Bahrain's Role Ambassador Long expressed his appreciation for the remarkable progress in Bahrain-UK relations, noting the fruitful coordination and cooperation in various fields. He praised Bahrain's significant role in supporting peace efforts and contributing to sustainable development goals in the region. The ambassador also acknowledged the positive and active role of Bahrain's Council of Representatives in strengthening parliamentary ties between the two friendly countries.
