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Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar, the Deputy Group CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait Group (NBK), has not only achieved remarkable success in her career but has also been a pioneer in championing gender equality and leveraging technology to drive innovation. With over 35 years of dedicated service to NBK, she has seen the bank grow into Kuwait’s largest financial institution, recording impressive profits and expanding its reach across multiple sectors.Al Bahar’s journey to success has not been without challenges. As the first woman to receive the “Distinguished Services to Arab Banking Award 2022,” she emphasizes the importance of sharing the realities of her career path. Her acceptance speech highlighted the extra effort and determination required to succeed in a male-dominated industry. She chose to inspire others by showcasing her personal experience, underlining the hard work and resilience that led her to the pinnacle of her career.Under Al Bahar’s leadership, NBK has not only achieved financial success but has also initiated several impactful programs. The bank’s Bankee education program, launched in collaboration with Creative Confidence, the Ministry of Education, and the Kuwait Anticorruption Authority, focuses on enhancing financial literacy among school students. By teaching budgeting, saving, and financial responsibility, Bankee equips young Kuwaitis with essential life skills.In addition to Bankee, NBK introduced the Weyey Bank app, targeting tech-savvy youth between 15 and 24 years old.
Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, Al Bahar and her team delivered the digital bank in just 12 months. This initiative aligns with Kuwait’s youthful population, with 40% of its citizens under 24 years old. NBK’s foresight in embracing digital banking positions it as a leader in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.However, NBK’s digital banking ambitions face competition in Kuwait’s emerging digital banking sector. The Central Bank of Kuwait has issued guidelines for the establishment of digital banks, attracting applications from multiple alliances. This move reflects a broader trend in the Middle East, where traditional banks are embracing digitization and forming strategic partnerships with fintech companies to meet the demands of tech-savvy consumers.Al Bahar’s vision extends beyond financial success; she is dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender diversity. NBK RISE, a women-led leadership initiative, aims to elevate women in the workforce by providing training and development opportunities. The program encourages participant companies to sign a pledge to increase women’s representation in leadership positions.Gender diversity is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a strategic advantage.
Research indicates that companies with more female executives and board members tend to excel in social responsibility, corporate governance, and transparency. Al Bahar recognizes the need for Kuwait to address gender diversity in leadership roles and wage equality.Throughout her career, Al Bahar has displayed a relentless work ethic and a commitment to excellence. She started as a trainee and steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming Deputy Group CEO in 2014. Her dedication is evident in her willingness to go the extra mile, whether it’s working late into the night to close critical deals or actively participating in committees and groups to drive positive change.In addition to her professional achievements, Al Bahar’s contributions extend to Kuwait’s development. She served on Kuwait’s Supreme Council for Planning and Development, actively contributing to recommendations for improvements in various sectors, including human development, healthcare, education, and economic development.
Her focus on Vision 2035 emphasizes the importance of government regulation and policy-making while harnessing the private sector’s efficiency and innovation.As Al Bahar reflects on her journey, she envisions a future where she can contribute to a non-profit organization focused on education and community development. Her dream is to be part of the change that empowers individuals and makes a lasting impact on society.In summary, Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar’s remarkable career at NBK exemplifies leadership, resilience, and dedication. Her commitment to gender diversity, digital innovation, and community development positions her as a role model and a driving force for positive change in Kuwait’s financial and social landscape.
