Kuwait, 30 July 2018: Gulf Bank has successfully concluded its platinum sponsorship of the 30th Memorial Journey for Pearl Diving, for the 9th consecutive year. The Journey, which ran from the 19 till the 26 of July 2018 was organized by the Committee of Marine Heritage of the Kuwait Sea Sport Club, under the Patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

With a special ‘Al-Quffal’ ceremony, a traditional Kuwaiti term used to welcome home sailors from long voyages - was held on Thursday, 26 July, which was attended by His Excellency the Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, Adel Al-Kharafi, representing His Highness the Amir, US Ambassador to Kuwait, Lawrence R. Silverman, along with local dignitaries, ministry representatives, Gulf Bank senior management representatives and friends, families and relatives of the young sailors.

Commenting on the conclusion of the journey, Mr. Ahmed Al Ameer, Assistant General Manager for External Communications at Gulf Bank said: “On behalf of the Bank I would like to welcome the young Kuwaiti divers and the dhow captains back, those who are keen on upholding Kuwaiti tradition by helping to perpetuate the memory of the long and dangerous journeys Kuwait sailors took to find pearls each year”

“As a Bank, we continue to support this great initiative and back any other activities that raise awareness of our rich history” added Al Ameer.

The Pearl Diving Memorial Journey is one of the initiatives that Gulf Bank sponsors on an annual basis and forms a key part of its long-term commitment to preserving the heritage and continuing the traditions of Kuwait’s unique past. The Journey aims to remind young Kuwaiti generations of the difficulties and challenges faced by their forefathers in earning a living, along with a message urging this generation to uphold the traditions and values their ancestors developed during that time.

Gulf Bank continues to maintain and strengthen its position as an integral part of the Kuwaiti society. The Bank supports and emphasizes the true Kuwaiti identity and the importance of the Kuwaiti traditions and customs, through sponsoring different social activities and events. For more details about Gulf Bank initiatives, please visit the bank’s website www.e-gulfbank.com.