Kuwait, February 4, 2008: Gulf Bank's commitment to continual innovation and offering the best retail banking environment for its customers has been recognized by the region's leading banking industry magazine Banker Middle East with the award for the "Best Branch Concept Design & Environment in the Middle East".

The prestigious award was announced at the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2008 ceremony held in Dubai and the award was received by Mr. Osamah Al-Zeid- Retail Banking.

The judging panel for the awards comprised international industry experts including representatives of international rating agencies and regional financial centers.

Gulf Bank was recognized especially for its branch design and layout and the unique theme of culture and seafaring heritage - transforming both the look and atmosphere of its branches.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Nazem Al-Qenae, General Manager, Retail, for Gulf Bank said: "We are committed to continual innovation and development of our retail branch environment. This is the place where we get to meet our customers across Kuwait and we want to ensure that all of our branches are welcoming places to visit where the needs of the customer always come first."

The Banker Middle East Product Awards 2008 provides the benchmark on which banks measure their level of success. The Awards have been designed to be completely transparent and allow the industry to judge itself and celebrate the huge growth it has witnessed over the past year. Acknowledgement of product success is critical in ensuring the industry continues to be innovative and thrive.

Gulf Bank has won a number of other awards during 2007 "Best Bank in Kuwait" by Global Finance ,"Best Retail Bank in Kuwait" by The Asian Banker and "Best Retail Bank in the Middle East" for three years in a row by Banker Middle East. The Bank was also acknowledged by the GCC Ministry of Social Affairs, for the Localization Award, in recognition of the Bank"s investment in development and training as well as employing of nationals.