Kuwait, 2 December 2018: Gulf Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth through its partnership with INJAZ Al-Arab. As a platinum sponsor, Gulf Bank was honoured during the 12th Annual Young Arab Entrepreneurs Competition, which was held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, represented by Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al Roudhan, last Wednesday.

The bank participated in the event with a group of top executives, lead by Chairman of Gulf Bank Mr. Omar K. Alghanim and CEO Tony Daher. More than 450 representatives from different government entities, private sector and educational institutions were also present at the event. Also attending the event were the Chairman of Alghanim Industries Kutayba Y. Alghanim, Chairperson of INJAZ Al-Arab Sh. Hanadi Al-Thani, and CEO of Injaz Kuwait Laila Al-Mutairi.

This year’s competition saw more than 80 students from 11 countries across the MENA region compete over 12 categories, including the ‘Company of the Year’ and ‘Social Impact’ award. Each award was presented to one high school and one university team by an esteemed judging panel.

The winners of the competition’s highest title, Company of the Year, consisted of Nawa Company from Oman, and Contrive Company from Bahrain. The Kuwaiti team, Re-Al, also won two awards, including Product of the Year in the high school category.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Chairman of Gulf Bank and INJAZ Kuwait, Mr. Omar K. Alghanim said: “I want to thank the INJAZ-Al Arab and INJAZ Kuwait teams for delivering another stellar programme. It takes enormous care and commitment to do this and their impact is undeniable. I’m passionate about INJAZ, so as Chairman of Gulf Bank, I’m proud we are a Platinum Sponsor again this year. Gulf Bank provided nearly a quarter of the volunteers helping with INJAZ-Kuwait initiatives over the last year. Regionally, over 3 million students have been through INJAZ programs, since its inception. That’s incredible. That’s making a difference."

Addressing the competing students during the ceremony, Alghanim added: “Young entrepreneurs represent the greatest asset society has. They question, they scrutinize, they problem-solve and they don’t accept the status quo. I know how hard you have worked, and regardless of the competition results, you have already started your journey to success.”

The bank continues to sponsor INJAZ Kuwait as part of its commitment to encourage and develop professional business skills amongst youth. To date, Gulf Bank has participated in four INJAZ Al-Arab programs, 47 INJAZ Kuwait Job Shadow Days, 69 INJAZ Kuwait Innovation Camps and 120 INJAZ Kuwait Entrepreneurship Master Class workshops. The bank’s volunteers have positively impacted over 1,800 students.

INJAZ Kuwait is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of young business talent.